The Little People
The little people who occupy the woodlands of Newfoundland.
When European settlers first came to the new world, they brought with them many of the legends and superstitions that had persisted for centuries in their homeland. It was no different with those who settled in the coves and harbours of the Island of Newfoundland, yet here, mainly because there was so little contact with the outside world, those stories and beliefs seem to have remained a part of the folklore, long after it had disappeared elsewhere. Although, legends of elves, fairies and pixies were common in most parts of Europe, the Newfoundland version appears to have come mainly with the settlers from Ireland, or maybe we associated the fairies with Ireland because their favourite colour was green. In any case these little people were often seen in the forests of Newfoundland and children were warned to give the woodlands a wide berth.
It was said that fairies had the power to cast spells on people and those who sometimes got lost in the woods were thought to have stumbled upon a “fairy path“, and been led astray or were “fairy led“. Fairies have been know to be kind to small children, and one child of five years who was lost in the woods overnight reported that some little people had given her food and a place to sleep. Perhaps, as many think, there are good and bad fairies. A no-no, if you believe in fairies is to follow music that you hear in the woods or to pick up a part of a fern called a frond or you may be found to be carrying a “fairy pipe” which could have dire consequences. Those who failed to heed the warnings and travelled far into the forest were in danger of being “fairy struck”, which depending on the mood of the little people, could mean something as simple as becoming dazed or confused, or if they were really upset, being physically paralyzed.
Fortunately, there is some advice for believers who must sometimes go to chop firewood, but have no desire to disturb those little sprites of the forest. The chances are excellent that you will never encounter such a one if you are careful to follow these time honoured tips for “keeping the fairies away”.
1: Carry a piece of bread in your pocket.
2: Never touch a fairy cap. (a type of mushroom)
3: Never wear green in the woods.
3: Wear odd socks.
4: Never answer anyone calling you in the woods unless you know their voice.
5: always refer to them as “little people”, they don’t like being called fairies.
6: Wear your clothes inside out.
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User Comments
Lucas Dié
On November 21, 2008 at 5:45 am
That’s a lovely piece. I loved that
nobert soloria bermosa
On November 21, 2008 at 7:04 am
glad to hear stories about this from the west, i thought they’ve been gone for so long
Glynis Smy
On November 21, 2008 at 9:05 am
I enjoyed this, thanks for the tips, it will be mushroom collecting in the Troodos mountains and woods soon here in Cyprus, I will write my list and wear my clothes inside out just incase
A M McDonald
On November 21, 2008 at 10:24 am
Very cool! We don’t have any of those myths over here.. Childhood would have been much more fun and exciting if we did..
Cheers!
A.M. McDonald
PR Mace
On November 21, 2008 at 11:17 am
I loved it, Moses. But two questions. Why wear odd socks or your clothes inside out? This story gave me a morning smile, thanks.
Joanna Maharis
On November 21, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I really love this article. I found this story to be such a treat, in that I love to read anything regarding fairies and magic. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge on these topics.
Take Care,
Joanna Maharis
Tony Downing
On November 21, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Delightful and very professionally written too. ~T
goodselfme
On November 21, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Fun and so cute. I love fairies and gremlins etc. Well done here.
Ruby Hawk
On November 21, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I loved your story and it is something my grandmother could have believed. She certainly believed in witches and all sorts of superstition.
Judy Sheldon
On November 21, 2008 at 9:58 pm
So if I see someone with odd colored socks, and their clothing wrong side out it might stand to reason they are superstitious and not eccentric?
Great story. Thank you for sharing. Your stories are delightful.
God bless & take care.
Moses Ingram
On November 22, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Thanks all, It always good reading you comments. I haven’t heard people talk of fairies in many years now, but I heard such stories when I was young and I’m sure there were some old people than who believed such things.
BC Doan
On November 25, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Great story, very enjoyable!
Tish
On November 26, 2008 at 8:07 pm
This is so very interesting Mose.I remember as a young girl growing up in Spencer’s Cove,we would walk through the woods and fields looking for fairy Caps,hoping to catch a glimpse of a fairy or see some fairy dust.I also rember hearing if you were a good girl or boy the fairies would be kind to you. lol
maryann
On November 30, 2008 at 10:25 am
nice story .
psychobutterfly
On December 11, 2008 at 6:20 pm
excellent story! keep up the good work!
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