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Fairies:: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk
The subject of fairies in Celtic cultures is a complex one that seems to endlessly intrigue people. What exactly are fairies? What can they do? How can we interact with them? Answering these questions becomes even harder in a world that is disconnected from the traditional folklore and flooded with modern sources that are often vastly at odds with the older beliefs. This book aims to present listeners with a straightforward guide to the older fairy beliefs, covering everything from Fairyland itself to details about the beings within it. The Otherworld is full of dangers and blessings, and this guidebook will help you navigate a safe course among the Good People.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2017
135 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 15, 2018
The subject of fairies in Celtic cultures is a complex one that seems to endlessly intrigue people. What exactly are fairies? What can they do? How can we interact with them? Answering these questions becomes even harder in a world that is disconnected from the traditional folklore and flooded with modern sources that are often vastly at odds with the older beliefs. This book aims to present readers with a straightforward guide to the older fairy beliefs, covering everything from Fairyland itself to details about the beings within it. The Otherworld is full of dangers and blessings, and this guidebook will help you navigate a safe course among the Good People.
This is the first book I have read about fairies and I learned a lot from it. I have always been intrigued by myth and folklore so this was an ideal read for me.
I enjoyed the author's writing and that the explanations and descriptions are easy to understand for a fairy novice. It discusses various types of fairies from lots of different cultures and Daimler has carried out thorough research which lends legitimacy to the book. It is chock full of information but not to the point of being overwhelming.
I would like to thank Morgan Daimler, John Hunt Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read about fairies and I learned a lot from it. I have always been intrigued by myth and folklore so this was an ideal read for me.
I enjoyed the author's writing and that the explanations and descriptions are easy to understand for a fairy novice. It discusses various types of fairies from lots of different cultures and Daimler has carried out thorough research which lends legitimacy to the book. It is chock full of information but not to the point of being overwhelming.
I would like to thank Morgan Daimler, John Hunt Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2018
This was a lot more academic then I thought it would be going into it. Which I found really neat, it was different from any other fairy book I read. It shows so many different different types of fairies in different cultures and what different people have said about the fair folk. I learned a lot from the book but I didn't know too much about them so....
The writing is still easy to understand even though it's written more like an essay would be. I just love how well research this book is, I am not kidding when I say there is a lot of info here. It's rather mind blowing. I took my time reading this one just so I could retain everything better. A wonderful book!
*Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review*
The writing is still easy to understand even though it's written more like an essay would be. I just love how well research this book is, I am not kidding when I say there is a lot of info here. It's rather mind blowing. I took my time reading this one just so I could retain everything better. A wonderful book!
*Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review*
August 16, 2024
Do I believe in fairies?
Of course not. Don't be ridiculous.
But, you've gotta admit: if they were real, they would be pretty fascinating. I can certainly understand why some types - pagans, self-proclaimed witches, general weirdos - might be committed to the idea that somehow they really do exist. Just so long as you don't run afoul of them.
Whatever your take, this book serves as a very enjoyable and interesting introduction and encyclopedia of sorts, into Gaelic folklore surrounding the fae both past and present.
Of course not. Don't be ridiculous.
But, you've gotta admit: if they were real, they would be pretty fascinating. I can certainly understand why some types - pagans, self-proclaimed witches, general weirdos - might be committed to the idea that somehow they really do exist. Just so long as you don't run afoul of them.
Whatever your take, this book serves as a very enjoyable and interesting introduction and encyclopedia of sorts, into Gaelic folklore surrounding the fae both past and present.
August 18, 2020
This book is about the folklore and fairy tradition of Ireland. It may well be the most down-to-earth book on the subject on the market to date. Rather than the airy-fairy Victorian ideas of pretty little girl fairies that popular culture has spread, this is about the original tales and beliefs that are still prevalent in a mostly Christian Ireland.
The book is well researched. Tales from many places in the British Isles and Europe are cited and the folk beliefs are given context. Actual belief in fairies isn't required to enjoy the relation of the stories, though the author is mostly directing the information at a Pagan readership where some degree of belief is relevant.
There is a lot of repetition. Perhaps it was needed for context but I've seen the same information about fairy behavior in three different chapters and that gives the impression of padding. My only other complaint is that in an early chapter there was a promise to explain the difference between fairies and nature spirits, but only a passing reference to the latter later on. I pretty much understand the difference but would have liked to see it put into words to clarify.
Overall a good reference for anyone new to the subject, although the classic reference books are cited so often that I wonder if someone with more than a passing interest should just reading those works. Mostly well written, though it meanders in the last couple of chapters.
The book is well researched. Tales from many places in the British Isles and Europe are cited and the folk beliefs are given context. Actual belief in fairies isn't required to enjoy the relation of the stories, though the author is mostly directing the information at a Pagan readership where some degree of belief is relevant.
There is a lot of repetition. Perhaps it was needed for context but I've seen the same information about fairy behavior in three different chapters and that gives the impression of padding. My only other complaint is that in an early chapter there was a promise to explain the difference between fairies and nature spirits, but only a passing reference to the latter later on. I pretty much understand the difference but would have liked to see it put into words to clarify.
Overall a good reference for anyone new to the subject, although the classic reference books are cited so often that I wonder if someone with more than a passing interest should just reading those works. Mostly well written, though it meanders in the last couple of chapters.
March 27, 2018
Amazing book on the Good Neighbors - great information, easy to read and digest without being watered down.
The cover is gorgeous - I think a fairy circle is a perfect focus on this book that introduces readers to the land of Fairy (and you'll learn about the beings vs the land, and why they're called the same.)
Daimler knows their stuff, and it's apparent from the first page the information here is high quality, well-thought-out, well written. I like how to chapters are broken into sections, which makes it easier to read.
Can't say enough good things about this one. Looking forward to reading the next two.
All in all, a great book 10/10.
*Thanks to Nimue of Moon Books for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The cover is gorgeous - I think a fairy circle is a perfect focus on this book that introduces readers to the land of Fairy (and you'll learn about the beings vs the land, and why they're called the same.)
Daimler knows their stuff, and it's apparent from the first page the information here is high quality, well-thought-out, well written. I like how to chapters are broken into sections, which makes it easier to read.
Can't say enough good things about this one. Looking forward to reading the next two.
All in all, a great book 10/10.
*Thanks to Nimue of Moon Books for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2017
I received a copy from NetGalley for this review.
I really found this interesting to read. I have family members who love fairies, and while I've never been a huge fan, I knew something about them. This book is a serious look at the mythology of fairies, and where they appear in culture. There are poems and definitions, and serious discussions of folklore. Reading this gave me more to talk about with my family members, and I could easily justify using it as a source for a paper on folklore. The prose is easy to follow, and more grounded than I was expecting. Very interesting, and informative read that I could see getting for family or friends with an interest in fairies or folklore.
I really found this interesting to read. I have family members who love fairies, and while I've never been a huge fan, I knew something about them. This book is a serious look at the mythology of fairies, and where they appear in culture. There are poems and definitions, and serious discussions of folklore. Reading this gave me more to talk about with my family members, and I could easily justify using it as a source for a paper on folklore. The prose is easy to follow, and more grounded than I was expecting. Very interesting, and informative read that I could see getting for family or friends with an interest in fairies or folklore.
July 3, 2022
Very good at covering all the topics related to the subject manner but holy hell did the author repeat the same information over and over, so many redundancies the book could have been probably a whole third shorter than it was.
Still a neat guide though, I suggest skim reading.
Still a neat guide though, I suggest skim reading.
January 4, 2018
This book is more academic than I was expecting, but that's no bad thing. The author delves into the huge body of lore from multiple angles, finding similarities and differences I never considered before ... and growing up in Ireland, I always thought I was quite well informed! I probably won't read this cover to cover more than once but I'll definitely dip in and out to refresh my memory or find certain information. Thanks for the chance to read this.
May 4, 2018
I will admit that I am not a person who normally reads non-fiction books for pleasure, and in fact only initially picked this up as a research tool for my own literary attempts. However, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read, with none of the dryness that I have always associated with non-fiction. It felt more like a friendly conversation with the author, and a very informative one at that.
March 9, 2020
Another exceptionally well-researched book by Morgan Daimler. The Other Crowd are of great interest to many, especially in the Pagan community. However, if you are looking for twee creatures with gossamer wings who grant wishes and leave glitter in their path, you should probably look elsewhere.
In spite of my long-term, serious interest in Themselves, I have not yet embarked on a working relationship with them. I believe in them, of course. I respect their presence and leave offerings when called upon to do so. But I have enough respect for them to not take a relationship with them lightly or to enter into it unprepared.
I appreciate Morgan's commitment to keeping the folklore alive and to educating people about the true nature of the beings that are so often misrepresented and misunderstood. I definitely recommend this book to those who are interested in learning more and who (like me) wish to give careful consideration as to whether or not Fairy Witchcraft is something they wish to undertake.
In spite of my long-term, serious interest in Themselves, I have not yet embarked on a working relationship with them. I believe in them, of course. I respect their presence and leave offerings when called upon to do so. But I have enough respect for them to not take a relationship with them lightly or to enter into it unprepared.
I appreciate Morgan's commitment to keeping the folklore alive and to educating people about the true nature of the beings that are so often misrepresented and misunderstood. I definitely recommend this book to those who are interested in learning more and who (like me) wish to give careful consideration as to whether or not Fairy Witchcraft is something they wish to undertake.
January 30, 2018
This is a real nice addition to the Katharine Briggs books. Loads on info on the fair folk. Katharine Brigg's books are becoming scarcer , it seems, or are simply being made reference in libraries. I'm rather fortunate to have been able to read them when they were still widely available. Well, no matter. Morgan Daimler's book is wonderful and resourceful. Anyone interested in the good folks will want to read this.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
July 23, 2020
Fairies: A Guide To the Celtic Fair Folk
Esse livro foi uma das mais agradáveis surpresas. Sei que grande parte das pessoas que estudam fadas mantém alguma distância de textos acadêmicos — e isso se reflete em outras mitologias também — preferindo livros de bruxaria e experiências pessoais. Eu vou pela linha contrária, sempre priorizando estudos sobre o folclore original. Quando comprei o livro, esperava algo na linha das experiências pessoais, mas quando percebi que estava lidando com uma análise teórica do folclore clássico, me apaixonei instantaneamente.
A narrativa é simples, o que torna a leitura muito fluída e a maneira como Daimler coloca as informações, torna quase impossível esquecê-las. Minha língua materna não é o inglês (eu sou brasileira, fala português-brasileiro) e percebi muito claramente que Daimler tem uma preocupação extra em fazer o livro inteligível para o maior número de pessoas — não foi uma obra pensada apenas para especialistas no assunto (mas é muito satisfatória inclusive para quem já lê sobre feéricos há algum tempo) e eu achei isso profundamente atraente, pois estou acostumada com textos densos sobre mitologia e folklore.
Fairies: A Guide To the Celtic Fair Folk é um compendium de narrativas teóricas clássicas, criando a ligação entre as histórias orais, para nos dar uma visão mais ampla do assunto abordado. O livro nos traz informações essenciais que precisaríamos de anos para reunir, caso quiséssemos fazer o processo por nós mesmos — ele facilita a absorção dessas informações de forma muito prática e direta, citando as histórias as quais ela se refere de forma muita abrangente, assim como os autores, o que permite que os leitores interessados em um aprofundamento maior, possam procurar por si mesmos os textos na íntegra (eu já anotei umas quinze fontes).
Sua visão neutra permite que o leitor tire suas próprias conclusões, por mais que Daimler inclua avisos sobre o trato ingênuo com fadas. O livro conta com informações sobre Reis e Rainhas feéricas, tipos de cores de vestimentas mais reconhecidas nas tradições orais e escritas, assim como relatos pessoais da autora, incluindo um pequeno guia prático que auxilia nos interessados em um contato mais pessoal com o povo feérico.
Ela detalha desde citações em baladas, polêmicas locais até situações pessoais envolvendo o Povo Feérico. Recomendo não apenas para aqueles com interesse no amplo folclore das Ilhas Britânicas, mas principalmente para autores de ficção que gostariam de ter uma fonte prática e direta que os ajude a caracterizar melhor fadas em suas narrativas.
Apesar da quantidade de informações, é um livro curtíssimo, que você consegue ler de um dia para o outro.
(***)
This book was one of the most pleasant surprises. Most of the people who study fairies keep some distance from academic texts - and this is reflected in other mythologies too - preferring books on witchcraft and personal experiences. I take the opposite line, always prioritizing studies on the original folklore. When I bought it, I expected something along the lines of personal experience, but when I realized I was dealing with a theoretical analysis of classical folklore, I fell in love instantly.
The narrative is simple, which makes the reading very fluid and the ease way that Daimler writes about fairies becomes almost impossible to forget about it. My native language is not English (I am Brazilian, I speak Portuguese-Brazilian) and I realized very clearly that Daimler has an extra concern in making the book intelligible to the greatest number of people - it was not a work thought only for specialists in the subject (but it is very satisfactory, even, for those who have read about the Fair Folk for some time) and I found it very attractive, because I am used to dense texts on mythology and folklore.
Fairies: A guide to the Celtic Fair Folk is a compendium of classic folklorical narratives, creating a link between oral tales, to give a broader view of the subject addressed. The book brings the essential information that we need years to gather if we want to do it by ourselves - this facilitates the absorption of information in a very practical and direct way, mentioning the referenced tales and authors in a very comprehensive way, which allows readers interested in a greater immersion, to search for the same texts (I have already annotated some fifteen sources).
Her neutral view allows the reader to draw its own conclusions, even though Daimler includes warnings about the naive tract with the Fair Folk. The book contains information on Fairy kings and queens, types of clothing most recognized in oral and written tradition, including a short practical guide that helps those interested in more personal contact with the Fair Folk.
Daimler explore details from traditional ballads, controversial subjects and personal situations involving the Fair Folk. I recommend it not only for those with an interest in the folklore of the British Isles, but too for fiction authors who would like to have a practical and direct source that helps to characterize the Fair Folk better in their narratives.
Despite the amount of information, it is a very short book, which you can read from one day to the next.
Esse livro foi uma das mais agradáveis surpresas. Sei que grande parte das pessoas que estudam fadas mantém alguma distância de textos acadêmicos — e isso se reflete em outras mitologias também — preferindo livros de bruxaria e experiências pessoais. Eu vou pela linha contrária, sempre priorizando estudos sobre o folclore original. Quando comprei o livro, esperava algo na linha das experiências pessoais, mas quando percebi que estava lidando com uma análise teórica do folclore clássico, me apaixonei instantaneamente.
A narrativa é simples, o que torna a leitura muito fluída e a maneira como Daimler coloca as informações, torna quase impossível esquecê-las. Minha língua materna não é o inglês (eu sou brasileira, fala português-brasileiro) e percebi muito claramente que Daimler tem uma preocupação extra em fazer o livro inteligível para o maior número de pessoas — não foi uma obra pensada apenas para especialistas no assunto (mas é muito satisfatória inclusive para quem já lê sobre feéricos há algum tempo) e eu achei isso profundamente atraente, pois estou acostumada com textos densos sobre mitologia e folklore.
Fairies: A Guide To the Celtic Fair Folk é um compendium de narrativas teóricas clássicas, criando a ligação entre as histórias orais, para nos dar uma visão mais ampla do assunto abordado. O livro nos traz informações essenciais que precisaríamos de anos para reunir, caso quiséssemos fazer o processo por nós mesmos — ele facilita a absorção dessas informações de forma muito prática e direta, citando as histórias as quais ela se refere de forma muita abrangente, assim como os autores, o que permite que os leitores interessados em um aprofundamento maior, possam procurar por si mesmos os textos na íntegra (eu já anotei umas quinze fontes).
Sua visão neutra permite que o leitor tire suas próprias conclusões, por mais que Daimler inclua avisos sobre o trato ingênuo com fadas. O livro conta com informações sobre Reis e Rainhas feéricas, tipos de cores de vestimentas mais reconhecidas nas tradições orais e escritas, assim como relatos pessoais da autora, incluindo um pequeno guia prático que auxilia nos interessados em um contato mais pessoal com o povo feérico.
Ela detalha desde citações em baladas, polêmicas locais até situações pessoais envolvendo o Povo Feérico. Recomendo não apenas para aqueles com interesse no amplo folclore das Ilhas Britânicas, mas principalmente para autores de ficção que gostariam de ter uma fonte prática e direta que os ajude a caracterizar melhor fadas em suas narrativas.
Apesar da quantidade de informações, é um livro curtíssimo, que você consegue ler de um dia para o outro.
(***)
This book was one of the most pleasant surprises. Most of the people who study fairies keep some distance from academic texts - and this is reflected in other mythologies too - preferring books on witchcraft and personal experiences. I take the opposite line, always prioritizing studies on the original folklore. When I bought it, I expected something along the lines of personal experience, but when I realized I was dealing with a theoretical analysis of classical folklore, I fell in love instantly.
The narrative is simple, which makes the reading very fluid and the ease way that Daimler writes about fairies becomes almost impossible to forget about it. My native language is not English (I am Brazilian, I speak Portuguese-Brazilian) and I realized very clearly that Daimler has an extra concern in making the book intelligible to the greatest number of people - it was not a work thought only for specialists in the subject (but it is very satisfactory, even, for those who have read about the Fair Folk for some time) and I found it very attractive, because I am used to dense texts on mythology and folklore.
Fairies: A guide to the Celtic Fair Folk is a compendium of classic folklorical narratives, creating a link between oral tales, to give a broader view of the subject addressed. The book brings the essential information that we need years to gather if we want to do it by ourselves - this facilitates the absorption of information in a very practical and direct way, mentioning the referenced tales and authors in a very comprehensive way, which allows readers interested in a greater immersion, to search for the same texts (I have already annotated some fifteen sources).
Her neutral view allows the reader to draw its own conclusions, even though Daimler includes warnings about the naive tract with the Fair Folk. The book contains information on Fairy kings and queens, types of clothing most recognized in oral and written tradition, including a short practical guide that helps those interested in more personal contact with the Fair Folk.
Daimler explore details from traditional ballads, controversial subjects and personal situations involving the Fair Folk. I recommend it not only for those with an interest in the folklore of the British Isles, but too for fiction authors who would like to have a practical and direct source that helps to characterize the Fair Folk better in their narratives.
Despite the amount of information, it is a very short book, which you can read from one day to the next.
December 17, 2023
I have read through this book in sections and I must say, even if repetition has been called out in some reviews, it was a well-informative, good chills-down-the-spine read, a good way to pass time. I’d grant this one 4.5.5 if I could. But some things said in it, I do not jive with them. SPOILERS are aHEAD to some degree for my responses thereof.
- The idea that “most things that aren’t us dew naht care about us” (please note that I am not making fun of people for saying these ideas)– it’s easy for people to anthropomorphize what is not them., sure But who could say? Just because something noticed a person and decides to take the option “leave them alone” does not mean it’s ignoring you like some snob. Many things apparently at least CANNOT care/make that choice either way. But the snobs can drop dead, as such fools need some kicks in the jimmy. Cannot care? Noticed
- I sense, from what was said at the end, some things do not have poison unless misused. Statistics they may have to expect death as inevitable at least (even then, who truly’ knows , well- don’t take your time for granted is the advice I go with)– but the idea “let what you love be what kills you” is one of sheer reading interest.
- The big caveat I must speak here: opinions are indeed subjective. But to say that what you saw of the world of Fairy is such that “naut from this world could evah compare” – I am not mocking the author, but the idea – is a bit bull-ogna to me. Having witnessed insane thrilling battles, forms of wonderful creativity, wonderful food, and such from this world, I sense a yin-yang. Mundane and annoyingly plain a lot may seem, but the world of Fairy contains, to a point, deceptions and poisons in the disguise of ‘glamour’, yes? I rest my case. Much more than expected in this world totally would compare or even SURPASS that of the other land, even IF such things of that world really could be truly wonderful, however often.
- The idea that “most things that aren’t us dew naht care about us” (please note that I am not making fun of people for saying these ideas)– it’s easy for people to anthropomorphize what is not them., sure But who could say? Just because something noticed a person and decides to take the option “leave them alone” does not mean it’s ignoring you like some snob. Many things apparently at least CANNOT care/make that choice either way. But the snobs can drop dead, as such fools need some kicks in the jimmy. Cannot care? Noticed
- I sense, from what was said at the end, some things do not have poison unless misused. Statistics they may have to expect death as inevitable at least (even then, who truly’ knows , well- don’t take your time for granted is the advice I go with)– but the idea “let what you love be what kills you” is one of sheer reading interest.
- The big caveat I must speak here: opinions are indeed subjective. But to say that what you saw of the world of Fairy is such that “naut from this world could evah compare” – I am not mocking the author, but the idea – is a bit bull-ogna to me. Having witnessed insane thrilling battles, forms of wonderful creativity, wonderful food, and such from this world, I sense a yin-yang. Mundane and annoyingly plain a lot may seem, but the world of Fairy contains, to a point, deceptions and poisons in the disguise of ‘glamour’, yes? I rest my case. Much more than expected in this world totally would compare or even SURPASS that of the other land, even IF such things of that world really could be truly wonderful, however often.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2018
Fairies are often referred to as the Fair Folk because of their pleasing looks and nature. (I doubt they look like Orlando Bloom in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but it might be possible.) Moon Books introduces Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folks by Morgan Daimler. Daimler is well versed in Fairy Lore and has written many books about Fairycraft and the Gods and Goddesses of Ireland.
Author Daimler gives advice on what the Fair Folk prefer to be called, how to recognize if they may or may not be close to you.
“In my experience when we seek Fairy we always start by seeing the parts of it that most reflect ourselves and what we want to see.”
This starts an amazing reflection of how fae could appear in our lives and our reaction to them. Too often, we fall into the commercialized fairy belief that includes tiny plastic homes to stick in our manicured gardens—as if they’d want or need such a thing.
The book covers organization structures, interaction of the Fae and modern world, and how to respect the blessed creature. It would be helpful to know if you’re upsetting the gentry before you wake up with matted hair.
Would recommend this helpful tome for anyone who is interested in knowing more about the Fair Folk.
Author Daimler gives advice on what the Fair Folk prefer to be called, how to recognize if they may or may not be close to you.
“In my experience when we seek Fairy we always start by seeing the parts of it that most reflect ourselves and what we want to see.”
This starts an amazing reflection of how fae could appear in our lives and our reaction to them. Too often, we fall into the commercialized fairy belief that includes tiny plastic homes to stick in our manicured gardens—as if they’d want or need such a thing.
The book covers organization structures, interaction of the Fae and modern world, and how to respect the blessed creature. It would be helpful to know if you’re upsetting the gentry before you wake up with matted hair.
Would recommend this helpful tome for anyone who is interested in knowing more about the Fair Folk.
July 13, 2025
Enjoyed this quite a bit, especially the more academic angle to the history and whatnot. Some topics got a bit repetitive, but at least repetition means I won't forget lol. I've read my fair share of fiction that incorporates the Folk, and it was interesting to make connections between those stories and tradition, and see what has basis in "reality" and what might be newer creators taking liberties and creating their own lore.
I could have done without the personal anecdotes, as they sound a bit silly to just isn't on the same level of belief as the author. To be fair, she addresses this tendency of people to believe in stories of the past while dismissing modern ones, so I guess I'm playing right into that. That said, books like this make me truly want to believe. Can one believe in the essense of fairies and magic without literally believing? Maybe I could settle for fairies being real once upon a time, but having since left.. sad as that would be. How can I practically invite whimsy into my life in a way that makes me feel the way reading about things like fairies does without feeling crazy or uhh.. cringy for it..? This is the question.
I really appreciate the reading/watching list Daimler gives at the end of the book. I've written down a bunch of her suggestions and will be looking into them for further inspiration.
I could have done without the personal anecdotes, as they sound a bit silly to just isn't on the same level of belief as the author. To be fair, she addresses this tendency of people to believe in stories of the past while dismissing modern ones, so I guess I'm playing right into that. That said, books like this make me truly want to believe. Can one believe in the essense of fairies and magic without literally believing? Maybe I could settle for fairies being real once upon a time, but having since left.. sad as that would be. How can I practically invite whimsy into my life in a way that makes me feel the way reading about things like fairies does without feeling crazy or uhh.. cringy for it..? This is the question.
I really appreciate the reading/watching list Daimler gives at the end of the book. I've written down a bunch of her suggestions and will be looking into them for further inspiration.
January 11, 2023
Audiobook Review 🎧
The subject of fairies in Celtic culture has always fascinated me. Who hasn't loved a Fairytale or mythical story about Fairies?
This book speaks to what Fairies are, what they do, the different types of Fairies and how to work with them. I really like the way that the author presents the information in a clear and easily understood way. I also really appreciated the link to modern connections to Fairies.
The subject of Fairies is really complex and varies greatly. Different cultures have different connections to Fairies and the author explains this very well and goes on to expand that, in some instances, Fairies will follow people to other areas.
Absolutely recommend this if you want to study Fairies and Folklore. Available on @audible
#morgandaimler
#fairies
#audiobooks
#audible
#reader
#folklore
The subject of fairies in Celtic culture has always fascinated me. Who hasn't loved a Fairytale or mythical story about Fairies?
This book speaks to what Fairies are, what they do, the different types of Fairies and how to work with them. I really like the way that the author presents the information in a clear and easily understood way. I also really appreciated the link to modern connections to Fairies.
The subject of Fairies is really complex and varies greatly. Different cultures have different connections to Fairies and the author explains this very well and goes on to expand that, in some instances, Fairies will follow people to other areas.
Absolutely recommend this if you want to study Fairies and Folklore. Available on @audible
#morgandaimler
#fairies
#audiobooks
#audible
#reader
#folklore
December 12, 2020
This book is great. If you're confused on how to categorize entities in fairy folklore, Daimler does a great job both stressing how impossible such a task actually is while simultaneously offering some classic and modern perspectives for loosely ordering the Fae. She goes through a number of beings (Corrigans and Leprechauns and Brownies) and explains their differences, and does the same thing with some of the mythological Celtic gods (Tuatha Dé Danann). Additionally, she runs through a variety of common themes in fairy folklore that I found incredibly useful. I learned so much from this book.
June 5, 2022
very interesting
A good account of relevant Celtic myth and folklore with an occasional glance at other traditions. I did not know that in some traditions fairy groups had to send a certain number to hell every seven years so humans were stolen to be sent in their place! So yeah we’re not talking about Tinker Bell here. The author quite rightly laments the loss of the older traditions especially as they are twisted, distorted, grossly simplified and effectively overwritten by modern mass movies and TV series.
The author finishes up with some claimed personal experiences and recommendations as to good practices. You can take this part anyway you like.
A good account of relevant Celtic myth and folklore with an occasional glance at other traditions. I did not know that in some traditions fairy groups had to send a certain number to hell every seven years so humans were stolen to be sent in their place! So yeah we’re not talking about Tinker Bell here. The author quite rightly laments the loss of the older traditions especially as they are twisted, distorted, grossly simplified and effectively overwritten by modern mass movies and TV series.
The author finishes up with some claimed personal experiences and recommendations as to good practices. You can take this part anyway you like.
November 3, 2024
A fun and useful book to have as a reference on fairy related mythology and lore without having to trawl through a hundred different stories about them. Although, I also wish the author wouldn't cut in with stuff like, "Unseelie aren't the misunderstood badboys you read about in romance novels, they're dangerous, so don't go looking for one," over and over again. While I know the type of reader I am is not the target of these remarks its still an condescendingly annoying thing to be subjected to.
January 18, 2022
This book was a lot more "technical" than I expected and several examples were repeated throughout the book several times so I was going to give it 3 stars until I got to the section where the author included some of her own personal experiences. From that point on the book became more interesting. I loved how she shared that our modern society has lost its sense of enchantment and that to have encounters with the Good People we need to be looking for them.
February 6, 2022
An Excellent and Well Researched Work
Being a fan of Daimler already, this was a long-awaited addition to their already sizable contributions to fairy research and the preservation of the fairy faith in modern times. Including anecdotes and practical applications as well as a direct summary of several classes of fairies and what they are capable of fulfills the promise made by the title. An essential addition to anyone's library when it comes to true fairy lore.
Being a fan of Daimler already, this was a long-awaited addition to their already sizable contributions to fairy research and the preservation of the fairy faith in modern times. Including anecdotes and practical applications as well as a direct summary of several classes of fairies and what they are capable of fulfills the promise made by the title. An essential addition to anyone's library when it comes to true fairy lore.
May 16, 2021
A literal survival guide
Whether you believe or not, this is well-researched, personal, and an informative read. If you have ever watched Supernatural or read any Laurell K. Hamilton books you may feel familiar with some of the author's cast of characters. However, this book contains centuries' old twists based off of the folklore. Absolutely worth a read.
Whether you believe or not, this is well-researched, personal, and an informative read. If you have ever watched Supernatural or read any Laurell K. Hamilton books you may feel familiar with some of the author's cast of characters. However, this book contains centuries' old twists based off of the folklore. Absolutely worth a read.
February 11, 2024
Good for anyone considering a connection with the Fair Folk. I suspect that there is some demonization in the lore because of Christianity's influence, but this well researched book brings balance to the carefree attitude of modern Paganism. The author is a true expert on the subject, even speaking the language of source material.
December 19, 2024
This book was easy to start but hard to finish. The author shares lots of interesting tidbits and historical facts, but is so incessant about needing to maintain the mystical elements of the fair folk really existing while at the same time not writing from that opinion that I only finished the book out of spite.
January 4, 2019
A wonderful and concise book that cites sources on the folklore of the Fair Folk. The books covers many aspects of the Good Neighbors, though at times, it may feel as if it's repeating.
Nonetheless, an invaluable addition to anyone who wants to learn more about the true Fair folk.
Nonetheless, an invaluable addition to anyone who wants to learn more about the true Fair folk.
January 13, 2021
Es el primer libro que me proporciona tanta información sobre los fairies, las creencias y el folklore. Decir que ha sido interesante es quedarse corto. Pronto le daré una segunda lectura, para fines de estudio y referencia para mi libro
June 1, 2021
Informative, as Always
I would recommend any of Morgan's books to anybody that wants a nuanced, balanced view of the Fair Folk. They are well-researched, academic, and spiritual. Respect is first and foremost in her books and it's a concept I highly agree with.
I would recommend any of Morgan's books to anybody that wants a nuanced, balanced view of the Fair Folk. They are well-researched, academic, and spiritual. Respect is first and foremost in her books and it's a concept I highly agree with.
April 17, 2022
Very much an academic type book. Dives deep into the lore of old. Speaks about good fairies, bad ones, and those that are ambivalous to humans. Even gets into offerings to and protection from them. Not a book on witchcraft and magic. Just an academic book on fairies. Very well researched.
January 11, 2023
Very practical and experiencial guide to a kind of spiritual practice that can seem daunting or fear inducing. Grounded in history and tradition, I could feel the power of this book as I read it. It's really helped me to combat my fear with knowledge.
October 20, 2024
This was a quick read. I appreciate the chapter that distinguishes between ancient and modern traditions of fairies. It can be hard to find information that clarifies which beliefs have been around for centuries. Anyone interested in fairies should of course read this!
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