On Land......

Elves

Elves are found in most cultures throughout the world and they live in small communities usually ruled over by a king & queen. The elves will live close to nature, the source of their magic, and as such can be seen in forests, mountains and hills.

Elves are contradictory in manner. Sometimes they can be quiet and very reserved and at other times they can dance, sing and recite poetry. Elves can be proud and fierce, but also calm and prudent and full of ancient wisdom. It is wise to be wary of their advise for they can trick and deceive, but most desire to guide those who encounter them.

Elves reveal the spirit of nature.

Dwarves

Dwarves are one of the most well-known of the magical beings and their origin lies in Germanic and Scandinavian folklore. They are said to live in castles on top of mountains or in caves under the ground. Either place will be adorned with gold and various precious jewels.

Dwarves only come out at night as, according to legend of some cultures, sunlight turns them to stome. They spend their days accumulating wealth by working deep within mines prospecting for gold and other precious metals. Dwarves are famous smithies, capable of forging magical weapons that can be used to slay ferocious beats and monsters.

Dwarves govern wealth and prosperity.

Puck

Puck is indigenous to Britain, but his legend had migrated to mainland Europe where he is known by many different names; Pouk in Germany, Puka in Poland & Pukis in Latvia and Estonia.

Just as he has many names, so also he has a variety of appearances and capabilities. To some he is an innocent child who enjoys playing with humans and fairies alike, whereas to others he is a trickster, hiding in the forest to cause mischief. The fact that he has so many different forms suggests that Puck is a shapeshifter- a magical being capable of changing its shape at will. Puck was immortalised in Shakespeare's play A Midsummers Night Dream. His love of mischief prompts him to put an ass' head on 1 of the humans he encounters, but his fun goes awry when Titania, the Queen of fairies, falls in love with the transformed human!

Djinn

Djinn spirits are Persian in origin and their name has many variant spellings, including Jinnee, Dgen or Genie. Sorcerers often spend their lives looking for these otherworldly beings, urged on by the prospect of harnessing their limitless magical energies.

Djinn spirits are formed of fire, appearing as smoking apparitions to those who invoke them. They are able to use enormous magical powers to grant wishes and can shapeshift into whatever form is desired. If not kept under control, the spirits have a habit of turning on those who summon them as they are always seeking freedom from their captors.

Djinn spirits will grant you wishes.

Cerridwen

According to ancient Welsh mythology Cerridwen lives on a small island in the middle of Lake Tegid where she works her magic in secret. She is often to be found making potions that transform, inspire and reveal the future in her large black cauldron.

Cerridwen appears in the form of a crone, embodying the classical image of a witch. She is feared because of her power and her knowledge of ancient herbal lore, but she is also honoured for her inspiration, knowledge and intelligence in the art of magic. She is known as both a healer and as a poisoner; one should be cautious in approaching her.

Fire Drakes

Fire Drakes are a form of dragon from Celtic mythology. They live in caves where they guard hoards of gold for kings and queens who provide them with human sacrifices. Would-be heroes often attack fire drakes in the hope of winning beautiful princesses.

Fire Drakes are known for their bad temper, aggresive nature and ability to breathe fire. They are solitary and independent creatures who do not like to be disturbed from their slumber. In their dreams, they receive powerful images and messages that open out the future and as such they have a prophetic knowingness.

Fire Drakes represent aggression.

In Sea......

From all corners of the world there are folktales and myths about beings that inhabit the waters. All types of water, from wells, springs, ponds and lakes to rivers and streams, and of course the oceans. As well as being the great provider necessary for life, water is also a place of great danger. The seas are mysterious and awe-inspiring, with a power that humans could never hope to match or harness. It wrecks ships and takes people into its depths daily.

Aulanerk

The Aulanerk is the name of a magical sea spirit who forms part of the cultural traditions and mythological beliefs of the Inuit people of North America. Unlike many of his fellow watery beings, the Aulanerk is peaceful and joyous, promoting calm waters and favourable winds for sailors and passengers. According to native American legend, the Aulanerk has a human form and dwells in the ocean. the gentle action of his swimming through his aquatic home is said to create the ocean waves.

Mermaids

Mermaids are water spirits, women from the torso upwards and a tail of a fish instead of legs. In medieval times imagery they are usually seen sitting on rocks, singing, holding a mirror while they comb their hair. Seeing mermaids is considered an omen of impending disaster, but occasionally they are helpful. They're said to be able to take full human form for short periods of time, but need to return to the water frequently. Tales of mermaids marrying men and bringing them wealth or knowledge abound, but the girl always ends up returning to the water.

Kelpie

The Kelpie is a malevolent water spirit found in the coastal regions of Scotland. It's favourable form is that of a horse, but it can also appear human; as a ragged old man or a handsome young whip. Usually it appears as a black or grey horse with a silky coat and flashing eyes, and rushes somewhere in its mane. The Kelpie appears to young women to seduce them and abduct them into the water to eat them; young men and children see them in horse form, enchating them with a ride and then galloping into the water with their helpless victim.

Blue Minch

The Blue Men of the Minch are unique to the Mich Passage in the Outer Hebrides islands, Scotland. When in their caves the water is calm, but when they swim into open water they call up terrible storms to wreck ships trying to sail through their passage. A clever captain can outwit them as they will always challenge him to a rhyming contest before sinking the ship, If the captain wins, his crew and vessel are allowed to leave unharmed.

Liwa

The Liwa are evil water spirits who dwell in Honduras and Nicuaragua. They appear as white amorphous shapes under the water in their own underwater canoes. They drag unwary human swimmers to their doom and will capsizecanoes to drown the occupants. Liwa are known to inhabit whirlpools as well as rivers, where there is a better supply of victims. The Liwa may be driven away by a shaman, who performs a ceremony which involves burning the skin of an alligator, something bigger and nastier than the Liwa.

The Havmand

The Havmad is a benevolent merman found in Scandinavia, also known as Havstrambe in Greenland. It's name means 'Man of the Spring', and they are described as very handsome, of human form with green or black hair and beards. They live under the sea or in lakes and are sometimes seen in shoreline caves. There are also mermaids called Havfrue, who have long golden hair, that may be seen with the Havmand. They can be kind or cruel, and are said to predict important events when met, such as the birth or death of kings.

Selkie

Found in the orkney and Shetland Islands, Selkies appear as humans, yet have a magic skin that changes them into seals. If a Selkie seal is killed by a sailor, its kin vents their anger with storms and shipwrecks. Also known as the seal people or fin folk they're said to be fallen angels that were too good to go to hell and so dwell on the coast between realms.

Top