Whispering Woods Faery Lore Course
Lesson Seven
House Faeries
House faeries are found in virtually every culture in the world. They are known to do household chores and to protect the home they reside in. They are often solitaire faeries. And they have been known to have a mischievous side to them as well. But in general they are a good faery to have about. And they greatly appreciate small treats such as a bowl of milk and perhaps some cookies or other treat.
Brollachan (Brollochan is Gaelic for a shapeless thing) – This Scottish house faery has been described as being a hairy and shapeless mass. At other times it is said that they have the legs and feet of a goat, much like the Greek God; Pan. The only two words ever uttered by this faery is “Mi phrein” (myself) and Tu phrein (thyself).
Brownies – Brownies are found around Scotland and parts of England. They are very hard working and prefer a tidy house. They are generally solitaires who like dark places to reside in when not doing housework. They are said to be shaggy and ugly in appearance. They are squat with large eyes. Brownies are rarely seen as they are able to make themselves invisible. They are often grateful for a saucer of fresh milk. If you make a Brownie angry he can be quite malicious. To get rid of a Brownie, offer him a suit of clothes. Though the origin of the Brownie is unknown, it is thought that they are the spirits of servants who have passed. They are also known as hobgoblins.
Deduska (Grandfather) – This Russian house faery is often invisible. But when seen he is often wearing a red shirt, cloak and belt and is said to be hairy. He is also known to be a shape-shifter. He generally resides with his family behind the stove, in a cupboard or out in the stable. As long as he is kept happy with an offering of leftovers, he will protect the home and crops. But if he becomes angered he will become very malicious to one’s home and crops. It is said that he is quite a spinner of thread.
Aitvaras – These house faeries hail from Lithuania. Once adopting a home they tend to supply the inhabitants with grain and money which they steal from the neighbors. It is said that within the home they appear as cockerels and outside the home as small dragons. He can be seen breathing yellow flame from his mouth and at other times only his long, flaming tail is visible. There is a legend that one may purchase an Aitvaras from the devil in exchange for ones soul.
Glaisein – These strange Manx house faeries are said to be physically strong. They don’t attach to any particular house but rather assist at various farm houses, threshing corn and helping with the sheep. More often then not they will skulk about in the hills and refrain from helping out. They have been known to kidnap human women for their wives and have been reported to have raped lone human women. They are able to shape-shift into foals or yearling lambs.
Hinzelmann – During the 16th century, this unique German house faery lived in Luneburg castle with his wife, “Hille Bingels”. He was said to have blonde hair and wore a red cap. The owner of the castle allowed him to have his own room and to take part in meals at the main table. Hinzelmann was said to be very useful doing chores for the owner of the castle. Legend has it that he left after four years had passed and left three things behind in the castle: a straw hat, a small, hollow cross and a leather glove embroidered with pearls. He told the Lord of the castle that as long as these three things be kept together, the family would prosper. If they were separated, the family line would die.
Para – This is a Finnish house faery who is known to steal milk from neighboring cows, bringing it back to his host farm. It is said that he can be persuaded to become a house servant. And that to make him appear, a mushroom is fried in tar, salt, and sulphur and then is beaten with a rod. The Para then appears and begs to be spared such a beating. They are known to shape-shift into a cat or a frog.
Hospodaricek – This is a Southern Slavonic house faery who takes on the appearance of a snake and lives behind the oven. As long as he is treated well he will protect the house and the inhabitants, especially the children. He will often warn the family of any impending danger. But if not treated well he will bring misfortune on the house and its inhabitants.
Kikimora – These female Russian house faeries are reputed to be tiny women with chicken feet. They prefer to live behind the oven or in the cellar. They are usually invisible but will appear when someone is about to die. They love to spin and perform household chores. When annoyed they will make strange noises and tickle children until they wake up. It is an old saying that to appease them you must wash your pots and pans in Fern tea.
Duendes (Lord of the House) – These Spanish house faeries manifest as small middle aged women with long fingers. They are said to dress in green, grey or red clothing. The males are said to favor brimless hats, dark hoods or red caps. They prefer to live in isolated houses, caves or lonely towers. They appear at night taking on the various household chores. If a human is untidy around the house, the Duendes will try to drive that person off through various unpleasant means. They would love to drive their human families from the homes so that they might have these dwellings to themselves.
Lars Familiaris – These are the oldest known form of Roman house faeries. They protect the house and all of its possessions. They will often warn the inhabitants of any impending danger. The custom was to offer them a small libation at each meal. It is thought that these faries are the spirits of the founding ancestors of each particular family. They are given a special place beside the hearth. There is a school of thought that the concept of House Faeries began with the Lars Familiaris of Rome.
Bannik – This Russian house faery is unusual in that he frequents bath houses and fresh water ponds. An offering to this house faery would be a pail of hot water and some soap. Legend has it that if he rubs your back while using the bath house that you will have good luck, but if he scratches you then your luck will run bad. He can often be heard giggling and hissing under the benches of the bath house. And it is suggested that every third warming of the water in the bath house be left for the sole use of this peculiar faery. The Bannick is one of four subspecies of Domoviyr house faeries.
Quiz:
1. The Glaisein can shape-shift into foals or yearling _______.
2. Aitvaras hail from __________.
3. Brollochan is Gaelic for a ________ _____.
4. The Hospodaricek takes on the shape of a ______.
5. The Bannick frequents ____ _____ and fresh water ponds.
6. The Para is known for stealing ______ from neighboring farms.
7. The Deduska house faery is a ____ – ______.
Whispering Woods Faery Lore course
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