Leanan Sidhe

views updated

Leanan Sidhe

Also "lhaiannan sidhe," Gaelic words for "fairy sweetheart" either male or female. According to one tradition, mortals are advised to have nothing to do with such beings, as no good ever comes of the connection. So long as the fairy lover is pleased with his or her mortal, all goes well, but when offended, life may be the forfeit.

In Ireland the fairy mistress has sometimes been considered the spirit of life, inspiring poets and singers but making their lives short through their all-consuming burning vision. Another tradition regards the leanan sidhe of a man as more like a vampire or succubus.

(See also genius )

Sources:

Arrowsmith, Nancy, and George Moore. A Field Guide to the Little People. New York: Wallaby, 1978.

Briggs, Katherine M. An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976.

More From encyclopedia.com