The Enchanting Fairies of Celtic Lore | Monstrum 

Want to learn more about Celtic history and folklore? University College Dublin's National Folklore Collection (www.ucd.ie/folklore/en/).

I live in Ireland and it’s a fact when the government we’re building a motorway 🛣 years ago they built part of it around a fairy ring because they did not want to destroy it. True.

The Fae have always reminded me of this Quote from the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett “Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder. Elves are marvelous. They cause marvels. Elves are fantastic. They create fantasies. Elves are glamorous. They project glamour. Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment. Elves are terrific. They beget terror. The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake, and if you want to find snakes look for them behind words that have changed their meaning. No one ever said elves are nice.” - Prologue of Lords and Ladies Great video, as always!!!

Changlings were sometimes also used to explain cot deaths. it comforted grieving mothers to think the cold little body in the crib was actually a log, glamoured with magic to look like her baby, and her real child was spirited away to live an eternal life amongst the fae as one of their own. Also used an an explanation for autism or other neurodivergent conditions that are not immediately apparent. one day you have a bright and giggly toddler, and the next they seem off, and as they grow they are detached or acting strange etc. It was once possibly believed that they were a fae child who did not know how to act amongst humans

The Morrigan and her sisters would be great to have an episode on. Although since theres a lot of Sidhe stories maybe a mini-series could work?

5:50 a real-life and very dark incident involving this belief was the death of Bríd Uí Chléirigh (bridget cleary). She was a very independent, outspoken, and industrious woman for her time, whose husband, Michael Cleary, came to believe that, after she had recovered from a bout of bronchitis, was actually a changling that replaced her. He got several people, included some of her own relatives, to abuse her with so-called 'fairy remedies' (which involved slapping and pouring urine on her, among other abuses), and eventually they burned her alive and then waited outside a nearby sídhe believing that the real Bríd would emerge from it riding a grey horse. All the perpetrators were arrested, and Michael received 15 years hard labor, where afterwards he disappeared to Canada. This gave birth to a morbid Irish nursery rhyme that went "are you a witch, or are you a fairy, or are you the wife of Michael Cleary'

I'm Irish (real, I live here) and a lot of people are turning back to these stories as a way to try and understand our identity without reference to the Catholic Church. This doesn't mean literally believing in fairies but getting an understanding of what Ireland was like from when the first people arrived. It is also easy to see ecological lessons in a lot of the stories, even if it's just the fact that in the stories humans weren't the be all and end all and more powerful forces helped keep us in check :)

Its worth noting that the fairies of Ireland, Scotland, Shetland & The Orkney Isles, Wales, England, and Cornwall are all related but unique - For example, Shetland & The Orkney Islands have the Trow, and an eternal battle between two Trow in particular - the Sea Mither, who protects the isles during the summer and spring but has to rest in winter, when her enemy the Nuckalavee, returns to cause storms and terrorise the lands. In Scotland, they are called the Daoine Sidhe and they are often divided into the two courts - The Seelie, or benevolent Fae, and the Unseelie, or malicious Fae. In the Isle of Man, they are called the Sleih Beggey the "Little Folk". In Cornwall, you find Pixies. And in northern england, the Brownies. And many many more unique fairy creatures. Irish fairies get the most attention these days - but all areas of the British isles have fascinating fairy lore to discover.

Tolkien really loved these stories, and you can tell how much he pulled from them to create the history of the elves. They also arguably inspired Martin's Children of the Forest.

Fun fact: Sean Quinn was formerly declared Ireland's richest man in 2008 but after moving a megalithic burial tomb, he wound up bankrupt by 2011, doesn't stop eejit farmers ruining ringforts instead of making a quick buck turning them into tourist attractions or paths to them, in this economy, it make far more than beef does these days unfortunately

For anyone wondering: The "TH" consonant structure in Irish is silent, so, it would be pronounced "Two-ah-day-dannan." In Welsh and Scottish, the "h" is a pronounced at a quarter-breath. So, Dr. Zarka's pronunciation here is more-or-less on point.

Fae myths are one of my favourite myths. It's truly fascinating how weird the fae really were.

Please do a Fate & Fabled episode on the origins of the Tuatha Dé Danann or the Book of Invasions! There is so much material to cover and it is absolutely fascinating

As an AfricanAmerican This & Norse mythology are my favorites of indigenous European mythology/religion. It’s just so cool how these stories deal with other worlds and magical humanoids, long before we even get to the gods. The Tuatha De Danann are so interesting because they are a legit ancient race of magic people not simply gods, it sounds like something from D&D but it’s a real belief. They kind of remind me of the Orishas, obviously there are major differences, like the fact Ifa & Ifa denominations are active world-religions (edit: specifically across Latin America). The Orishas are benevolent & rely on their monotheistic god/creator Olodumare. And the Orishas, minus Eshu, aren’t tricksters. (Eshu not to be confused with the Lwa Elegba of Vodou). Yemoja - mother of all Orishas & waters and the Ibeji - representations of twins/multiple births. Being some of my favorite Orishas.

One of my favorite interpretations of aspects of Irish mythology comes from Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods”. His character, Mad Sweeney, is a six-foot tall “leprechaun” who drinks, fights, fucks, and does coin tricks with a gold coin engraved with the image of the sun. In the show, he is plagued by “The Madness” which causes him to forget his past, forcing him to abandon his family and his kingdom to roam the wilds. It turns out that Mad Sweeney’s character is based on “Bhuilne Sweeney” a pagan Irish king who was cursed by a catholic priest and driven mad. Mad Sweeney is also revealed to be Lugh Lamfadha, the Long-Hand, the god of many skills, the god of the Sun, and a skilled warrior-king who leads the Tuatha Dé Danann to victory against the monstrous Fomorians, led by Lugh’s own grandfather, One Eyed Balor, or Balor of the Evil Eye, who *IN THE SHOW* is made analogous to One Eyed Odin of Norse mythology. He remembers how he fought off waves of gods trying to invade Ireland before “Mother Church” came and turned all the Irish gods into “fairies and saints and dead kings without so much as a by-your-fuckin’-leave.” His particular subplot is a great example of how mythology, religion, and history are linked, and how they change and evolve over time as our cultures do. Anyway, great video! Thanks!

If you enjoyed this then I highly recommend Eddie Lenihan's podcast. He is one of the Seannachai referenced here (see the description box). I had the pleasure of seeing Eddie spinning a yarn when I was a child and have grown up with his stories. It is absolutely absorbing stuff handed down in the oral tradition in Ireland.

Fun fact: The character of Asling from the 2009 film "The Secret of Kells" is a Tuatha Dé Danann

The Tautha De Danaan certainly invoke romantic imagery. I think there were several such stories featuring them in novel form, dark romance stories that were quite popular. Great to have you back!

The myths and folklore of Dannan is shared by the Bretons. Please don’t forget us! We are Celts too - my mother spoke Breton and could understand Welsh - Merlin roamed the forest of Brocéliande (in Brittany) and we too dance to the sound of the bagpipe.

So happy Monstrum is back! Always look foward to the videos. Thank you for making them!

They always reminds me of folklore about yokai especially with the kidnapping, the bewitching, and the interactions that lead to the person getting tricked.

Also of note, I think it is part of the Book of Invasions, that as each subsequent wav of people came to Ireland, the land itself grew larger. And perhaps another character from Irish mythology to do an episode on would be the Caileach Bhéara, the giantess who built mountains from rocks she carried in her apron.

Yay! Dr. Z is back with Monstrum!! Love this show and Fate & Fabled! Dr.Z's outfits are fab too! Love that soft goth look!

I'm from Ireland and my grandmother still believes in the cunning folk and would tell stories of a woman who was known to mutter curses onto cattle. I personally don't believe in it but I still love the Mythology behind it. When I was in primary school we were always told NEVER go to a fairy ring because you never know what could happen, it was as bad as playing with a Ouija board

I would be very interested in further episodes about the Sidhe. As you say, it's a complex mythology, and there's *lots* to cover!

Fun Fact: Dr Z is Fae 😀 I just love the fact that a Doctorate of Monsters is a real thing. There is so much to learn from with it.

I see a lot of parallels between the Fair Folk, the Greek Gods (especially lesser immortals like nymphs) and Japanese Yokai. I guess it's just human nature to believe in unseen forces who command the natural world

Yay! Thx for doing this. So many people have no idea that Celtic people have our own ancient mythologies, I am so glad to see you putting this out there. Hope you cover the Mabinogion some day too!

Woohoo! Not only a new Monstrum, but one that covers a piece of myfavorite mythology?! Thank you!

Yes! So happy that this became a video! Despite being pretty creatures fairies are totally valid in the category of monsters with the terrifying tales about them and all!

Would love an episode on the Fir Bolg and how they relate to the Firbolg race in dungeons and dragons

My grandmother was Irish with fiery red hair. She didn't talk about fairies often, but she did tell me never bother a leprechaun, ask for his gold, or demand anything from him. She said to always carry silver, and offer it to the leprechaun for freedom from his pranks and spells.

I literally just started getting more into fae lore for my book, and now this video gets uploaded. I've mainly been trying to learn more about the Seelie and Unseelie Courts.

The story of the Tuath De is what inspired Tolkien’s, “ Flight of the Noldor” from Valinor, the “Kin Slaying”, and “ The Burning of the Ships”. If you are unfamiliar with the tales of the first age of Arda you can find them in the “Silmarillion”.

I have always loved the Celts and their tales of the Good Folk. One of the most interesting, fascinating and awe inspiring cultures to ever exist.

Not even one minute of the show and I felt called out 😩 "Fairies are everywhere..."

When you mentioned the troop, I couldn't help but think of Tam Lin🤔 I know it's a Scottish tale, but a fairy troop was mentioned

My favourites! Thank you Dr. Z. Fortunate, that the Tuatha de Danann were so integral to Irish culture they couldn't just be overwritten.

Ahhhhh..., as m'dear departed mother used to say to me; "Believing is seeing... ." I'm 72 now & still remember, she wove such wonderful tales of the wee folks, fairies, elves & magics & adventures of their nature.

Wow my belief and love for fairies and myths has grown even more

Interesting to see that Tolkien seems to have taken the arrival of the Tuatha De Danann as the basis for the arrival of Feanor, beyond the general inspiration of Fae for his Elvish Gnomes

Finally, Monstrum is back! I love this so much! As a guy with Irish ancestry, I’m always happy to learn more about Irish creatures and entities.

Please continue this subject in your Fates and Fables. This is a favorite of mine.

I waited for an episode on the Aes Sídhe for ages! Thank you this is a great video!!!

More celtic stuff!!! This was one of my favorite episodes yet.

I LOVE this series so much. it's so informative and fascinating. I've always loved mythology, and you teach it so well :)

I adore celtic mythology and I'm always so happy when they are covered. Thank you!

This has been one of my favorite episodes! So much lore material for any fantasy book can be taken from these stories.

So glad I found this channel. Love these monster bios!

Thank you for making this video Dr Zarka!😻🍀 They really brighten up my day!

I have long been wanting to say this, I absolutely love this channel. This channel helps me escape to my favourite world of mystery and monsters. I listen to this while I work and right before of sleep and the sentence ''I am Dr. Emily Zarka and this is Monstrum'' rings in my ear all day lol. Please don't ever stop this content. Thank you Dr. Z! 🔥🔥🔥

Yes, a new Monstrum! I am loving this show.

genuinely one of my favourite channels. been here since it's early conception and it's still great.

welcome back Monstrum glad ur back this video got my interested, like to say thanks for all videos on this channel always looking forward to new videos & to lean

Always a great day when Monstrum posts!

I'm late but I know a story of a fairy tree near my town. Basically two lads cut it down for the wood, even though everyone told them not to. They ended up dying not long after. I'm fairly certain that the tree was also next to a magic road. For those who don't know, btw, a magic road is a road that makes your car move backwards uphill when you turn it off.

Love your outfit and background in this video. Great content, as always!

Thank you for this! Love hearing tales from the motherland like grandma mentioned when I was young.

I love this channel so much. And the new show is awesome. Keep it up.

Great episode! I hope there’s an episode in the future about Iceland’s Huldufólk ✨

WOW Dr Z, this video was amazing! Everything was new for me and so interesting! Who would knew fairies would have such an interesting backstory.

Your recounting of "The Story-Teller at Fault" reminds me of a similar description of Manannán mac Lir in Lady Gregory's compilation of Irish mythology, particularly the part where he'd reverse any bodily harm done during his pranks if proper respect was paid to him. Great episode as always! Love to see Irish mythology getting some promo.

Great video! Seems like it's been forever since we've had a new one!

Lovely video and well done summarizing such a massive chunk of lore! You're very right, this very well could qualify for Fate & Fabled too! (Which if y'all have not seen it, other viewers - GO! It's GREAT!) One of the first books I ever read cover to cover and even memorized parts of, was a book of stories about Finn McCool. I've been fascinated by the fae and the Sidhe ever since!

Awesome another new episode! Just saw Fables can’t wait for the next episode

“In Gaelic, the language of many vowels” 😂😂😂

I would love to see more on fate and fabled on the myth-tory of Ireland

I love the sidhe and their stories. Thank you Dr Z.

Great episode. Clearly and simply explained-thank you.

I love Irish lore please do more episodes on myths and legends from Ireland

Hello Emily, just want to say these videos are really cool and interesting, so thank you for making these

Well done Doc. Emily D. You never hear the story of the fay folk told like that. Thank you 🙏 i’ll ne subscribing to the new channel!!

The Storyteller at Fault is one of my absolute favorites. Anyone who hasn't read the Yeats collection really should.

I've been waiting for this!

It's fascinating how cultures all over the world and separated by tens of thousands of years of human migration can have such similar folklore. In the Philippines, the original pre-colonial religions revolve around interactions with "others who are not like us" or "the [original] dwellers of [place]". They are remarkably similar to the European concept of elves and fairies. Including the fact that they are referred to with euphemisms, like the ones already mentioned, or in respectful kinship terms like "apo" ("elder"). They didn't even have a collective name other than "spirit" (anito) prior to the introduction of the Sanskrit-derived word "Diwata" (from Devata). Basically they are a race of non-human spirits who are beautiful, very long-lived or immortal, and capricious. Being described as fair-skinned (sometimes with blond hair) with no philtrum. They are shapeshifters and often interact with humans via spiritual possession, disguised as humans (usually old men and women, or youths), as "little people" or conversely as giants, or as birds and other animals. Like the elves and fairies, they live in lands in an other world, a spirit world which mirrors our own (and where dead humans eventually go when they die). These places have physical representations or entrances in the real world - most commonly the central hollow of a fig tree, rock formations, termite mounds, and caves. These portals are usually open at twilight, when the veil between the material and spirit world is thinnest. They were also fond of kidnapping or stealing beautiful humans, livestock, or household items. As well as impregnating human women resulting in children with strange birth defects or simply children who are extraordinarily beautiful or skilled. They eat raw (or simply boiled) food and don't like salt, spices, or anything that emits strong smells. It's also found in more cultures like the chaneque of the Aztec, the Aluxo'ob of the Maya, the Nimerigar of the Shoshone, the Yokai and Kami of Japan, the Kijimuna of Okinawa, the Korpokkur of the Ainu, the Taotao Mo'na of the Chamorro, and the Patupaiarehe of the Maori. It makes me think that the belief in a magical or spiritual race of "others" (usually smaller than humans) is extremely ancient in the human species. Pre-dating all our religions and myths. It may even be a racial memory of other hominid species.

Love these videos! I’ve learned so much…

This is so cool ! I love this show. I hope one day you could do a video about the mayan Aluxes. It would be interesting to hear what you come up with ❤️

I love Irish Fairies so much..... just thinking about them and their folk tales makes me happy ^_^

Such a great channel. Thankyou. 🙏

My grandmother, living in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, still believed in faeries. This was the early 90's. Belief in the Fair Folk is just as prevalent in Scotland. You'll see offerings and references to them all around Scotland, often in the most unexpected places.

FINALLY!!!!!!!! I've been waiting for this video for so long!!!!!

Read "The Secret Commonwealth of Elves Fauns and Faeries" (Marina Warner translation) for some deep insight into faeries. Also read "The Fairy Faith In Celtic Countries" by Water Yeeling Evans-Wentz. Fascinating books with quite alot of lore and stories about the Good People.

Great video you done. Thanks for sharing.

Dr.Z, very nice video. I learned a lot, thsnks. Eagerly anticipating more. :-)

Thanks dr.Z ! I really wanted to know more about them !

Great as always, Thanx!!!

It would be very interesting to see an episode on the Shadow Man or the Hat Man, a kind of episode covering the shadow people that haunt peoples dreams

Love your outfit and background in this one!

Thanks for the upload Dr Z I'm from Dublin in Ireland 🇮🇪

You guys should do a special on witches like the zombies one, please 😭💙💙💙

8:41 as an Italian seeing an Italian product shown as an example of modern impact of fairies is endearing. Anyway, great episode as always!

i love your videos. so informative.

Love this series! 😀

Omg yeees I was waiting for this videoooo 💕😌🙌🏽🕺

Angus is really cool because he's also the god of love. He's really fascinating because unlike most love deities which are more focused on sexuality or procreation, Angus is clever and wily. He claims ownership of his father's estate through a play on words, and helps a young couple escape from the bride's jealous would-be husband by hiding them from the king's men and sending them in the wrong direction when they give chase. It is ultimately Angus who talks the king into giving up his claim to the girl, allowing the young couple to wed. He also serves as the god father to another young celtic hero who was made otherworldly beautiful and irrestitable due to a blessing from a faerie woman. In fact, when Angus was syncretized with other gods, he wasn't equated with Eros, Frig, or even one of the love goddesses. Instead, the Irish god of love, beauty, and poetry was equated with Hermes.

loved this immensely!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr.Z y''all should look into the folklore of Appalachia when you revisit fairies!

Yes! I want to teach my students about Celtic myths in March, and this will be perfect.

I'm so excited I love Celtic lore!!

The fantastical side is rich enough, but i was expecting some mention of one of the more interesting anthropological theories: that fairy-folk lore is rooted in the prehistoric encounters between stone age and more technologically advanced human cultures. Thus the supposed fear of iron.