Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #irishfolklore
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As a person who wrote a MA thesis on Irish fairy lore let me tell you a thing or 34 about authentic “fairies” in #irishfolklore . A thread 1/20
First and foremost, they do divide into two large groups but not in the way you might think. First is the group of creatures whose description was heavily influenced by Christianity. These are Fallen Angels (Aingil an Uabhair, Angels of Pride) in their origin 2/20
This is common in some European regions with similar creatures (Scotland, Denmark). The second source is the veneration of the dead. In legends we see either direct mention of “fairies” being souls of the dead or those creatures mention being known by someone still alive. 3/20
“Boys” said Meave to the boys “will one of yis tie this lucky charm around the foot of that criminal that we hanged earlier”. “You know it is Halloween” replied the boys. “Nera” said Meave “surely you are not scared”. “Of course not” shivered Nera #Halloween
As Nera walked towards the gallows, the demons of the glen screamed. “It’s shocking dark” he thought “but I’m sure everything will be grand” he mused “despite it being Samhain, darkness, horror and death and the door to the otherworld is probably open” #Hallloween
The body of the dead criminal swung limply on the gallows. “He looks horrible and scary” thought Nera. “Howya” said the dead criminal “Jesus Christ” yelped Nera anachronistically “Ya frightened the life outa me” #Halloween
The’Buckeen’ Daly’s wake & funeral were a triumph. His widow is delighted. Everyone is looking forward to Saturday’s fair where the final part of the funeral celebrations will play out. ‘Mouldy’ Farrell has challenged the Tiernan’s to a fight and they have accepted #FactionFight
‘Mouldy’ has sent his three sons to round up the cousins, in-laws, friends, clients who he had dug graves for, and everyone who loves fighting; the message “Be at the green for twelve, bring a stick’. #FactionFight
There is a suspicious silence from the Tiernan’s side. Indeed they seem to have gone missing. The Farrells are increasingly confident “they are not called the ‘cowardly Tiernan’s’ for nothing” smirks Mouldy Farrell #FactionFight
