There is a saying that it is not so much whether you believe in fairies or not, more do the fairy folk believe in you. One man that they must believe in is the author Joe Cooper. Joe wrote the international best seller ‘The Case Of The Cottingley Fairies’ described by Colin Wilson as a ‘Spectacular investigation’ deserving of a ‘permanent place in the history of psychical research’. Joe’s book deals with the famous case of two young girls in the Yorkshire village of Cottingley they produced what they claimed to be photographs of fairies. It was Joe Cooper that persuaded the girls, in their later years, to admit that they had faked some of the photographs, but not all of them. These images fooled many famous people, including the author of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Joe Cooper’s book is a must read for all who have ever wondered about fairy folk. It was used as the basis for the film ‘Fairy Story’ and has been translated into Japanese.
I have spoken to The Joe Cooper many times about his belief that there are such things as fairies and he very kindly advised me that not all fairy folk are alike. Here are some examples of the kind of fairies that, like me, believe in The Joe Cooper. They are divided into the four elements: Earth. Fire. Air and Water:
EARTH ELEMENT: GNOMES, sometimes called Knockers, are the chief elemental spirits of the earth. Gnomes are thought to be wise spirits. However they are also believed to be very naughty and there are many reports of their bad behaviour. Some are said to have wicked tempers and they hate whistling. Never whistle in a cave or a mine, otherwise you could meet an angry Gnome. Some Gnomes are thought to be quite bashful and do not like being looked at by humans. This may explain why you have never seen one. In height they can be between 12 inches and three foot. Their physical features quite closely resemble those of human beings. Some have pointy ears and bushy beards. They are often pictured wearing pointed caps, loose jackets over tight trousers with a thick belt. Mines, caves and rocky regions are where these creatures usually live and work. It is from their constant chipping at the rocks that they get the name Knockers.
Model of a Gnome
BOGGART; these beings are about 3 foot in height, rather plumpish with angry eyes and big grabby hands. They are scruffy looking creatures, very dangerous and should be avoided. If you go too close to a Boggart they will snatch you and drag you into the smelly hole that is their home. They usually live under bridges over streams, or where there is swampy land. It is from the name Boggart that we get the scary 'Bogy Man' that parents frighten children with. If you meet one always run home as fast as you can. Never talk to a Boggart, they make no sense anyway. And do not go within grabbing distance.
Model of a Troll his name is Snudge
FIRE ELEMENT: SALAMANDERS: These creatures are said to live in fire and flames. They look very much like a lizard with pointed claws and eyes like red hot coals. Sometimes they can be seen curled in the smouldering cinders of a household fire. They are said to protect the home they live in and should not be killed. The ancient Greeks believed ill luck came if they were mistreated. According to mythology they are born from the egg of a magical rooster and these take seven years to hatch.
Fire Elemental
BASILISK: Also called a Cockatrice, this fabulous serpent like creature has a mitre shaped crest upon its head. Born from the egg of a cock hatched by a snake these fiery spirits are very wicked and evil. According to legend the Basilisk can kill with a terrible look. Should you see one dancing in the burning embers of some fire, run. If you can't escape then call out its name loudly. These nasty fire spirits hate people knowing their name. Another form of protection is to hold a mirror in front of the beast; their own hurtful glare is then turned back upon themselves.
Drawing of a Basilisk
AIR ELEMENT: FAIRIES: This is the widest term used to describe all sorts of air elementals. These beings are thought to live between this world and heaven. Their wonderful palaces stand high in the air and are invisible to the human eye. Some are said to live inside old twisted trees, usually ancient oaks or hawthorns. They have many different names and are all capable of changing their shape. The English Fairy is often pictured as a small but very beautiful female, with gossamer wings. 'Tinkerbell' in the Disney film of Peter Pan is the image that many have of fairies. However they can change into birds, frogs, and butterflies. So never be cruel to these wild creatures, you might just hurt a fairy. Some are thought to appear as wrinkled old men with ugly fat warts on their long twisted noses. All fairies hate misers. They love dancing in the moonlight, especially on Midsummer night. Fairies will help those who are good and kind. But watch out if you are a mean type of person, the fairies will trip you up and play jokes on you.
SIDHE: These are the true aristocrats of the fairy kingdom. They are usually invisible and live in fabulous castles that float in the air. The Sidhe do sometimes appear to human beings and they are incredibly beautiful. Their Queen is called Maeve and she is so stunningly attractive that it is dangerous for human beings to look upon her. In height The Sidhe can be up to six foot, their hair is long, wavy and often blonde. Their clothes are brilliant white and always sparkling clean. However, despite their great beauty, the Sidhe are not always kind. They dislike dirty people who don't wash. And anyone who is unlucky enough to meet one on the 1st of May or Halloween; the 31st October, should run. These are the days when The Sidhe move house. Any Sidhe ill met by moonlight on the night of Halloween may dance you away into fairyland. Those who visit the land of the fairies are forever changed by the incredible experience.
WATER ELEMENT: SIRENS: Also called Mermaids, these are exceptionally beautiful female spirits. They look lovely and sing so softly and sweetly that men, especially sailors, fall under their spell. They are however, very dangerous to know. Usually four to five feet in height they often have a tail like a fish. Living beneath the sea, but close to shore, they use their fabulous looks and seductive songs to lure sailors onto the rocks where their ships are wrecked. Watch out for Sirens on soft summer moonlit nights, when the silver sea seems still and welcoming. Then they are seeking young men to drag down to their wonderful palaces beneath the waves. The Sirens have a Queen called Lamia, but she won't spare you. In fact if you hear their sweet songs as you sail the seas, close your ears.
Arthur Rackham's Illustration of a Mermaid
VODYANY: Quite the ugliest of elementals this fantastic creature resembles a naked, fat, humanoid pig. He is about three foot in height with a huge wobbly belly, bright red snout and is always dripping wet. This water spirit can sometimes be seen sitting at the side of rivers or ponds waiting for children, his favourite victims. He holds a thick club with many colored ribbons on and uses this to batter them to death. Some believe the Vodyany takes the souls of drowned people and keeps them in glass jars.
You can read more about fairies in ‘The Case Of The Cottingley Fairies’ by Joe Cooper published by Simon & Schuster ISBN 0-671-01026-3 just click on the flying fairy below and you will be taken to an in depth review of this brilliant book.