FOREWORD I grew up in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, hearing stories about faeries from an early age. One thing I learned very quickly was that our faeries are nothing like the ones you see in traditional storybooks, with their gossamer wings and magic wands. No! Irish faeries are more likely to be shapeshifters, tricksters, or revenge-seeking, lesson-teaching fiends. I've heard it said that some faeries are kindly, of course, and have been known to help us humans. I've heard they can give gifts of music and good fortune to those they like. But there are also stories of them leading unsuspecting humans astray or into the faerie realm--and only some return. Irish people have always been wary of the faeries, wary because the faeries live beside them, among them, above and below. A stroll down a country road could take you past a faerie tree, a faerie fort, a faerie hill. Place names whisper to you of otherwordly forces: Carrigapooka (the púca's rock) in Cork; Pollaphuca (the púca's cavern) in Wicklow; Clochán an Phúca (the púca's causeway) on the Aran Islands. This, then, is a very special book--a book steeped in magic and lore. Normally, these characters and their stories come to life in dark places, on cold, wet nights when there is a heavy mist to cover all traces. These stories are usually whispered, hidden, delivered carefully and with a little shake in the voice. For generations, Irish folklore has been passed from mouth to mouth, or, as we say in Irish, "from knee to knee!" as grandmothers, grandfathers, uncles, and aunts gave back the stories they had gathered throughout their lives--one treasure at a time. Stories about the creatures in this book are usually prefaced with a warning. The sídhe are a sensitive race who demand respect. Mock them at your peril! They like to be known as "the good people," and you would be wise to pay attention to that. Síne Quinn and her co-conspirator, Dermot Flynn, have walked a fine line in this book. On the one hand, they speak respectfully about the "good people"; on the other, they give away many of their secrets. The illustrations, for example, are full of light; no corner is left unseen. A brave decision. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy reading about the wailing banshees, the lucky leprechauns, and the seductive selkies who roam throughout the pages of this book. It is entirely up to you, but I would read this book in daylight, surrounded by your own kind. An iron nail secreted in your pocket would be a good investment. It may prevent you from being carried away by the "good people." If you should end up in the faerie world, however, don't eat anything, don't drink anything, and take nothing with you when you leave. Read the book, oh brave and fearless reader! (You are brave, aren't you?) Travel safely! Patricia Forde Laureate na nÓg (2023-2026) DON'T MESS WITH THE FAERIES The magical, mysterious, and supernatural creatures of Ireland have long been celebrated in Ireland and around the world. These creatures--often called "faeries," the "good people," or the "little people"--are the inspiration for a treasure trove of myths and fairy tales. Stories of their mischief, their gifts, and their threats are commonplace among Irish people, and while much of it is no longer outwardly believed to be truth, many people will still not speak badly of the faerie folk or do anything to cross them--just in case. In all parts of Ireland, these supernatural creatures continue to be acknowledged and respected in local customs and rituals. Primarily passed down through oral history, tales of the mysterious "good people" can also be found recorded in ancient manuscripts at the National Folklore Collection, especially in the Irish schools' folklore collections. Many of these stories and accounts were the primary resource for the text and stories in this book. This extraordinary, often dark folklore has traveled to many far-flung places and influenced stories worldwide, from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving (1820) to Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). There are a number of theories about the origins of Irish faeries. People at different times and in different places viewed them as fallen angels, spirits of the dead, or ancient gods and goddesses descended from the Fir Bolg --the supernatural creatures who were said to be the first inhabitants of Ireland. Another theory is that when the Celts invaded Ireland in 500 BCE, the native people, who were much smaller than the invaders, retreated to woodlands, caves, and safe underground places. Sightings of these slight, hidden people might have sparked faerie lore. Folk customs around faeries are still very common in Ireland today. Offerings for faeries are visible at local wells, and rags or ribbons are seen tied to hawthorn trees as offerings to the tree faeries in exchange for granting wishes or healing. Iron horseshoes are often hung above doors to block faerie activity, and building permits have been denied on many occasions to avoid cutting down a faerie tree! Most customs and rituals around the faerie folk began in the hope of bringing luck, health, and protection. Although we are often lighthearted about it, the significance of Irish fae and the stories that surround them is a deep-rooted part of our culture, regardless of religion, politics, or social standing. Communities are often united in their respect for maintaining traditions, including caring for faerie mounds, trees, and sacred wells. Some faeries offer protection, have the gift of healing, and can grant wishes. But others enjoy causing mischief and mayhem. As you'll learn over the course of this book, the best way to protect yourself from faerie mischief is to be kind, generous, and good to animals and those around you. Faeries despise miserly people and can't abide cruelty to animals or other humans, especially those less fortunate. You might be able to use salt, horseshoes, running water, and hazel or rowan branches to ward against them--but if you've crossed a faerie, no charms or rituals can truly protect you from their mischief. Thankfully, you are holding this book in your hands, and so you'll soon know all about the faerie folk of Ireland--and how to stay on their good side! Excerpted from The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland's Forgotten Folklore by Síne Quinn All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
