The Fairy Myth: Archetypes and Pop Culture History
by Arielle Wolfe-Fritz, August 14th, 2020
What are Fairies? In most modern interpretations, the Fae are said to be beautiful, magical beings that move freely from the realm of fairy to our own. These creatures are often described as being very beautiful and pleasant to behold and don certain supernatural abilities. This just scratches the surface of what the Fae are and is just one of the ways in which mankind views fairies. As we dig further back in time and pull fairy lore from all over the world, we see vast differences in the appearance, attitude, and attributes of these beings, however, as we see this, one has to wonder, why did so many ancient cultures speak of the same types of beings that are described in, more or less, much the same way at the core of their separate and unique tales of folklore.
In some stories, the Fae are said to be helpful and kind beings, in others, they are regarded as malicious and unpredictable tricksters. These ethereal creatures come in many shapes and forms as well. From The Brownies to the Greenman, to the Elves of Germanic lore, the vast array of types Fae beings alone, is a broad subject to be sure. The social attributes of these 'Forgetful people' (as fairies are sometimes called) vary greatly as well. In this five-part series, 'Fairy Folklore' we will be covering just some of these tales and talking a little bit about some of the lesser-known, otherworldly characters that ancient man spoke of and believed to be a true and animate part of our reality.
In this documentary series, we will be journeying into the past and you will be presented with an array of tales and folklore that tell of just a few of the many Fae beings that are seen primarily, in English and Celtic folklore. We will also be talking about the origins of the Fae in Irish mythology and discussing how the modernization of fairies has shaped pop culture; as well as taking a look at how fairies and the history of fairies have been the inspiration behind the works of some of the most beloved authors and poets of our time. Get ready to be transported into the realm of Fae and be swept away by the ancient mythos and legends that tell of these fantastical and magical beings that are believed to reside just beyond the veil.
STEPPING INTO THE WORLD OF FAE: DECODING FAIRY MYSTERIES
Video Series 1 of 5
Welcome to the world of Fae. In this introduction to the realm of fairy folklore, we will be talking about some of the tales of these 'Fair Folk' and enquiring as to what the Fae are and how they have made their presence known in folklore throughout the world since almost the dawn of human existence.
2 TYPES OF FAE BEINGS: MEET THE SEELIE AND UNSEELIE
Video Series 2 of 5
In this second episode of the series, we will be taking a look at the classifications of fairies, broken down into two particular groups, and talking about one particularly elusive little Fae being that is spoken of in English and Scottish folklore.
ORIGINS OF THE FAE: CELTIC HISTORY AND FOLKLORE
Video Series 3 of 5
This third installment of the series takes us on a journey back in time to discover the origins of Irish folklore and gives us some idea as to where the idea of Fairies came from. We will also be covering one particularly important figure that is seen in English and Celtic folklore and in pagan tradition.
THE ECHO OF CELTIC FOLKLORE: IMPLICATIONS
Video Series 4 of 5
In this fourth installment of the series, we will be discovering some pagan folklore surrounding the fairies and how the belief in these magical beings shaped the everyday lives of the ancient pagans. We will also be talking about one mischievous and mysterious type of Irish fairy and taking a look at the inspiration behind one of the greatest fantasy authors of our time. We will also be observing how the modernization of fairies has impacted us socially as humans and what the belief in fairies truly means for mankind.
INTERVIEW WITH A FAIRY | MYSTERIES OF FAIRY FOLKLORE
Video Series 5 of 5
This being the final episode in the series, I would like to invite you all to come with me one last time into the realm of fairy and, listen to the words of one of the greatest Irish Authors in history as he tells the tale of his own miraculous meeting with the Queen of the Fairies. In this philosophical encounter, one can be struck with many questions that revolve around the existence of the Fae but also our own place in the cosmos. What does the existence of the Fae mean for us and what can we learn from them in regards to how to better live in harmony with the natural state of our planet?
"The path that lay before us is one we all must take. The Journey, we make together. As one, the truth awaits us."
About the Author
Arielle Wolfe-Fritz, a creative writing enthusiast, researches anthropology and folklore. Through her captivating mini-docuseries, collaborations, and multi-media projects, she inspires people across the world to open their minds to the sociological, anthropological, and spiritual aspects of legends and folklore. Arielle is a proud affiliate of Divine Frequency, a network of content creators unified by a common mission to deliver empowering perspectives about online media through multi-media projects. Follow Arielle's main project, Labyrinth Perspective on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook