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Dark Fairies
We all know about fairies--they're usually helpful, ethereal creatures in children's stories and Walt Disney films, flitting about doing good, right?
Wrong!
In ancient times, the concept of fairies was rather different. They were the often-dangerous embodiment of the land, dark and unpredictable spirits that watched Humanity with a jaundiced and hostile eye. And, according to conventional folk wisdom, they were to be feared rather than trusted. Indeed, in their original form, many of our "fairy tales" read more like late-night horror stories.
Dr. Bob Curran investigates the folkloric roots of the fairy kind, tracing their origins from the sprites and maenads of Classical times to the sanitized versions of the English Victorians. Among other aspects, he examines the connections in the Christian mind between the fairy kind and demons; the links between fairies and ancient, pagan gods; and the often-strained relations between fairies and humans across the ages.
This is not a book for those who believe that fairies are friendly, kindly creatures. With the growing and anticipated interest in fairies--particularly given the forthcoming Disney film Wings, starring Miley Cyrus-- Dark Fairies is a timely and valuable new title.
Wrong!
In ancient times, the concept of fairies was rather different. They were the often-dangerous embodiment of the land, dark and unpredictable spirits that watched Humanity with a jaundiced and hostile eye. And, according to conventional folk wisdom, they were to be feared rather than trusted. Indeed, in their original form, many of our "fairy tales" read more like late-night horror stories.
Dr. Bob Curran investigates the folkloric roots of the fairy kind, tracing their origins from the sprites and maenads of Classical times to the sanitized versions of the English Victorians. Among other aspects, he examines the connections in the Christian mind between the fairy kind and demons; the links between fairies and ancient, pagan gods; and the often-strained relations between fairies and humans across the ages.
This is not a book for those who believe that fairies are friendly, kindly creatures. With the growing and anticipated interest in fairies--particularly given the forthcoming Disney film Wings, starring Miley Cyrus-- Dark Fairies is a timely and valuable new title.
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
8 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Bob Curran
53 books53 followersBOB CURRAN is an educational psychologist in Coleraine University. His interests are broad-ranging but are focused especially on history and story. He has written several books, including The Field Guide to Irish Fairies, The Wolfhound Guide to the Shamrock, Creatures of Celtic Myth, The Truth about the Leprechaun.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 7, 2019
Fairies, being old nature spirits, are of so many different kinds that they are very vague. Magical beings from the old world and times and once Christianity got root something to fear even worse then they had before.
From the northern feakin, to the southern ones, the ones living in deserts and so on. Every of these being is different. So, it isn't really easy to define a fairy. From big trolls, which are part of the fairy down to little men that would steal your baby.
Of course, this all is mythology and people were very afraid of nature and what it could do. Add the church and you got a whole lot of blame game and pointing fingers to whom is truly evil.
An interesting book, if not chaotic, yes fea and chaotic I know.
It is up to you to decide if you like it.
From the northern feakin, to the southern ones, the ones living in deserts and so on. Every of these being is different. So, it isn't really easy to define a fairy. From big trolls, which are part of the fairy down to little men that would steal your baby.
Of course, this all is mythology and people were very afraid of nature and what it could do. Add the church and you got a whole lot of blame game and pointing fingers to whom is truly evil.
An interesting book, if not chaotic, yes fea and chaotic I know.
It is up to you to decide if you like it.
November 4, 2020
Dr Bob Curran put a great amount of research into this book was amazed at how many types of fae there are.. my only issue was it read like a text book most of the time so no feelings was put fourth in this book
January 30, 2011
I must first compliment the illustrator Ian Daniels. The cover art and illustrations in this book are beautifully done. Almost makes you feel like you're not reading a nonfiction novel, but don't let it fool you. Dark Fairies is not a tremendously light read.
I thought I knew a great deal about fairies. I certainly knew they weren't all of the Tinkerbell variety. A few pages in to the book, I realized there was so much more information concerning the subject I had yet to come across. Dark Fairies not only covers the sinister side of these creatures but also goes in to depth their connection to trolls, elves and even angels. The transitions between each story are smooth. The material is not too hard to understand. Of course, I always manage to find some kind of flaw.
As previously stated, the illustrations in this book are fabulous. However, I wish there was some photos mixed in as well. Curran provided background information concerning a series of photos of alleged fairies but didn't include any of the actual photos. So, if anyone wasn't familiar with the case, they would either miss out or have to look it up. In my case, the next book I'm reading for review covered the same story and included a couple of the photographs.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the subject of fairies.
I thought I knew a great deal about fairies. I certainly knew they weren't all of the Tinkerbell variety. A few pages in to the book, I realized there was so much more information concerning the subject I had yet to come across. Dark Fairies not only covers the sinister side of these creatures but also goes in to depth their connection to trolls, elves and even angels. The transitions between each story are smooth. The material is not too hard to understand. Of course, I always manage to find some kind of flaw.
As previously stated, the illustrations in this book are fabulous. However, I wish there was some photos mixed in as well. Curran provided background information concerning a series of photos of alleged fairies but didn't include any of the actual photos. So, if anyone wasn't familiar with the case, they would either miss out or have to look it up. In my case, the next book I'm reading for review covered the same story and included a couple of the photographs.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the subject of fairies.
May 21, 2012
The amount of research Dr. Bob Curran puts into his books never ceases to amaze me, and Dark Fairies is no different. This book is absolutely packed full of information on the lore and history of the fae. He didn't just cover the basics on fairies, he covered it all. I had no idea whatsoever that the history of the fae was so incredibly vast and diverse.
In the book you learn about countless types of fae, where the belief in the fae originally came from and how it altered over time, the impact new religions had on fairy folklore, old beliefs and new, and much more.
If you want a complete guide on wicked fairies then I highly suggest picking this book up.
Another bonus to the book is the illustrations by Ian Daniels. His artwork is stunning and really makes the book visually appealing. I am a huge fan of his.
My only issue with the book was that it read like a text book at times. There were moments that dragged at times, but that's to be expected in a non-fiction book. Overall, I was highly impressed by the research and amount of information in Dark Fairies.
In the book you learn about countless types of fae, where the belief in the fae originally came from and how it altered over time, the impact new religions had on fairy folklore, old beliefs and new, and much more.
If you want a complete guide on wicked fairies then I highly suggest picking this book up.
Another bonus to the book is the illustrations by Ian Daniels. His artwork is stunning and really makes the book visually appealing. I am a huge fan of his.
My only issue with the book was that it read like a text book at times. There were moments that dragged at times, but that's to be expected in a non-fiction book. Overall, I was highly impressed by the research and amount of information in Dark Fairies.
April 5, 2012
First I have to say I love the artwork though its not the focus. While it was not as in depth as I expected, it is fairly informative and one can tell the author did a fair amount of research. I found it very interesting and believe the author could have written much mire and in greater detail but didn't want to bore the reader and might be saving information for another book. it's just an impression.
January 8, 2012
Dark Faeries wasn't as informative as I thought it would be, but the way it was written it was really easy to absorb information with out being bored.
March 26, 2015
Love love love this book! I love fairies and anything about them . I highly recommend this book. the art is gorgeous and is well written .
November 16, 2011
Dot down few names...
Yep, pretty cool and love the art.
Yep, pretty cool and love the art.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews