The Fairy Mythology / Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

41006

Title

The Fairy Mythology / Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Thomas Keightley's comprehensive survey of fairy lore explores superstitions, legends, and romances from diverse cultures, including Scandinavia, Britain, and the Orient. This revised edition offers an authoritative guide to the mythology of elves, dwarfs, and fairies, blending historical analysis with engaging tales.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Fairy Mythology*, Thomas Keightley offers a comprehensive survey of folklore and superstition, tracing the origins of fairy beliefs from ancient human tendencies to attribute natural phenomena to intelligent spirits. Keightley categorizes these entities into distinct groups, notably the benevolent Light Alfs and the malevolent Dark Alfs or Trolls of Scandinavia, who inhabit woods, hills, and underground realms. The narrative expands globally, traversing to the Orient to describe the beautiful Peris and grotesque Deevs of Persian and Arabian romance, before moving through medieval Europe to examine the enchantments of Spenser's Fairy-land and the grim sagas of the Eddas. A significant portion is dedicated to the folklore of Great Britain, Ireland, and Wales, featuring tales of changelings, leprechauns, brownies, and the dangerous dances of the Korred in Brittany. Keightley also covers legends from Switzerland, Germany, and Southern Europe, illustrating the universal human fascination with the supernatural. Throughout the work, he connects these disparate stories, suggesting shared roots in ancient mythology while highlighting unique local customs. The text serves as both an encyclopedia of folklore and a literary history, preserving stories that were once part of popular memory but are now fading. Keightley argues that despite changing religious views, the human capacity for wonder and the desire to understand the unseen world remain constant, ensuring the enduring appeal of these myths. He emphasizes that while the love of material gain may dominate, higher aspirations persist, keeping mythology relevant to those who wish to understand how former dwellers of the earth thought, felt, and acted.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Fiction