Post by The Traveler on Mar 4, 2016 16:21:01 GMT -6
Thought I'd post what I have so far so others are aware of this information, and add on to it as I make changes to my original document.
Origin and History
The sidhe, more commonly known as fairies, originated in Ireland. The details surrounding how they came to be is fuzzier than most origins; there are even some of the sidhe who don’t know their own history either, though they’ll say most accounts are false. Some say that when the angels revolted, God ordered the gates of heaven shut, and those angels caught in between heaven and hell became fairies. Others claim that they are actually the offspring of angels and devils, as though they are beautiful and radiant like angels, they are also mischievous and sometimes cruel like devils. And still yet, there are others who declare that they are actually the spirits of the dead.
Neither of these are in fact true. The truth is that the sidhe are descendents of a supernatural race known as the Tuatha de Danaan, whom were referred to as the gods and goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. Though the Tuath De originated in Ireland, they soon spread to the rest of the Celtic lands, known today as Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. Though humans lived amongst the Tuath De for a period of time, they soon drove them into another plane of existence that mirrored Earth’s due to mankind’s growing reliance to metal and iron. Most of the entrances and exits to this plane during this time were large mounds of earth, which the Irish called the sidhe (lit. “the mounds”). This was how the Tuatha de Danaan and their descendents were referred to henceforth.
Over time, as each subsequent generation became less powerful and less like a god, and as human-sidhe interaction practically ceased with the progress of science and technology, even that term had been forgotten by most. Though the sidhe and various different kinds of them are now practically spread across the entire planet, modern humankind views the sidhe as the harmless, smaller, and winged fairy. This suits the sidhe, however, allowing them anonymity when they traverse over into the human’s world.
How the sidhe evolved into distinct classes that reflected morality is a true mystery, however. Experts speculate that the benevolent Seelie fey are descended from kinder Tuatha de Danaan, such as the god Lugh, while the malevolent Unseelie fey are descended from crueler Tuatha de Danaan, such as the goddess known as The Morrigan.
The monarchs of the Courts have been ruling the trooping fey since the sidhe were first conceived. They and their relatives are the most powerful fey in Tir Na nOg. Before, they went by no common name, as their True Names were something that had to be kept hidden, but as soon as William Shakespeare mentioned them in his plays, they adopted the names he so chose for them. Thus, the Queen of the Winter Court is known as Mab, and the King and Queen of the Summer Court are known as Oberon and Titania.
Territories of Tir Na nOg
The realm of the sidhe is a land known as Tir Na nOg (lit. “the Land of Youth”). It is a realm that mirrors Earth, but is easily influenced by the power of the sidhe. The Land of Youth fits its name well: to normal humans, Tir na nOg is a land of untold beauty. The colors are brighter, the sounds sweeter, and the smells sharper than that of Earth’s. Many humans cannot help but cry at their first sight of Tir na nOg. Most of Tir Na nOg consists of wyldwood, neutral areas that belong to neither the Winter nor the Summer Courts. It is actually in these areas that one would encounter the most variety of sidhe.
Lands occupied by Winter or Summer Courts have no name that is pronounceable in English, although the capitals of the Summer and Winter Courts have been given English ones (Emain Ablach and Mag Mell, respectively). The land reflects the type of fey that reside there. If from the Winter Court, the land would be very cold and piled with snow. If from the Summer Court, on the other hand, the land would be warm and lush with green plants and colorful flowers, almost like a tropical forest.
Social Structure
Social structure is very complicated within the sidhe. Collectively, they are referred to as the sidhe or the fey, though they may be singularly called fairy. There are two major social categories that the sidhe fall under: either solitary or trooping.
Solitary fey are the beings that typically live by themselves in their own spaces. Since each type of fey live on their own, there is no specific social structure within solitary fey. Though many are found in the wyldwood, solitary fey can also be found in the lands of both the Winter and Summer Courts. Solitary fey usually consist of uncontrollable beasts such as cockatrices or wyverns, loner-types such as leprechauns or banshee, or those that cannot stray far from a certain area, such as kelpies from their pools of water or tree spirits from their respective trees. Though, it is possible for a trooping fairy to eschew the confines of society and become a solitary fairy by choice.
Trooping fey are the beings that are more sociable and that live together in groups. They typically live in towns surrounding the manor or palace of the ruling fey. Fey of the ruling class are usually the lords and ladies that lead their town, though they all answer to their monarchs. Each trooping fairy has their own niche that they fulfill in trooping society-- very rarely does a goblin aspire to be a noble, or an aristocratic fairy to be a baker. It is also possible for a solitary fairy to join trooping society, though this too is very rare, as by nature most solitary fey prefer to live on their own; more often than not it is because they are forced to and have no choice.
It should be noted that the term Seelie fey refers to any fairy that is kind and benevolent, regardless of whether they’re trooping or solitary, though generally trooping Seelie fey are found in the Summer Court. The same applies to the term Unseelie fey, the major differences being that they are cruel and malevolent and generally trooping Unseelie fey are found in the Winter Court.
General Physiology and Psychology
Since there are many kinds of sidhe all with differing appearances, abilities, and behaviours, this section shall be very brief. Generally, humanoid fey always have the tell-tale sign of pointed ears. They look and are shaped mostly like normal human ears, save for the fact that the tops of their ears come to a rounded point. They are not literally pointed; that is merely a descriptor. The sidhe are also not immortal. Rather, they are long-lived to the point that they seem immortal, though there's still debate on whether or not the monarchs are an exception to this. Humanoid fey, much like humans, can look beautiful or ugly, willowy or bulky, tall or short; the difference is that they are not all one species. Beastly fey, in contrast, can either be monsters from folklore (such as a gryphon or a cockatrice) or simply fantastical animals (such as a white hart or a night-mare). More about the specific types of sidhe can be found in future entries.
Mentally, both humanoid fey and beastly fey are intelligent and self-aware, though some beastly fey may not be able to speak or even be self-aware either. They enjoy making deals and bargains, and also enjoy tricking others. The sidhe also cannot lie, but are masters of half-truths and of not revealing everything. The fey put extreme importance on politeness and are thus easily offended by rude or insulting behavior, and will more than likely react rashly (such as turning someone into a toad) regardless of morality, unless the rude person apologizes. With those universal qualities in mind, there is then a divide in behavior between the two moral classes of sidhe. Seelie fey delight in mischief, but generally help out those who come to seek their aid. They are very open with their emotions, and often get swept up in them. Unseelie fey, on the other hand, take pleasure in cruelty and manipulating vulnerable beings. They are more likely to attack first and ask questions later, and seldom offer aid unless they too can benefit from it (and usually more so than the person seeking aid). They are often cold and distant with only the slightest hints of emotion.
Interactions with Other Races
There are certain times during the year when the sidhe are more likely to cavort around on Earth, traditionally in long processions, though in modern times they usually disperse amongst the humans. These days are May Day, Midsummer's Eve, Samhain (Halloween), and Midwinter's Eve. The solstices and equinoxes are feast days for the trooping fey, and these are celebrations held exclusively in Tir Na nOg. Who hosts the party depends on the solstice or equinox: the Summer Court hosts in the Spring and Summer, while the Winter Court hosts in the Fall and Winter. The equinoxes are especially important as they symbolize the transfer of power over the seasons from one monarch to another. For example, on the Fall Equinox, the Summer monarch would transfer power over to the Winter monarch. Sometimes, esteemed humans and other beings are invited to these parties.
The sidhe keep a wary distance from demons, and the same can be said for demons regarding the fey. They are incredibly similar, and yet vastly different at the same time. Where the sidhe may on occasion regard humans as being beneath them in terms of power, they regard demons as dangerous equals.
Weaknesses
Though all sidhe are sensitive to metal, the most toxic to them is iron. Pure iron or iron ores work best, but wrought iron, cast iron, and steel can still kill any kind of sidhe, providing it is introduced into their system. That is, for iron to be fatal to them, the easiest way is to draw blood with it. Much like kryptonite is for Superman though, prolonged periods of exposure to iron can weaken the fey. This of course depends on the type of sidhe, how much fey power they hold, and how much iron is present; for example, an aristocratic sidhe in or near a human city would not see any effect until a long period of time has passed. A diminutive, quintessential winged fairy, on the other hand, could only remain in or near a human city for about fifteen minutes.
Another weakness that can be exploited against the sidhe are their True Names. Every sidhe has one and they keep it a secret to everyone else, using other names to serve for everyday interaction. They do this because anyone who knows the True Name of a fairy can command them to do anything that they want. Finding the True Name of a fairy is very difficult to do though, and it would be easier to threaten them with iron than to compel them with a secret name. Also make note of the fact that if you use the True Name of any fey, that they will make you an enemy that must be destroyed so as to keep that True Name a secret (not to mention to get revenge for the humiliation of being commanded by another being).
Origin and History
The sidhe, more commonly known as fairies, originated in Ireland. The details surrounding how they came to be is fuzzier than most origins; there are even some of the sidhe who don’t know their own history either, though they’ll say most accounts are false. Some say that when the angels revolted, God ordered the gates of heaven shut, and those angels caught in between heaven and hell became fairies. Others claim that they are actually the offspring of angels and devils, as though they are beautiful and radiant like angels, they are also mischievous and sometimes cruel like devils. And still yet, there are others who declare that they are actually the spirits of the dead.
Neither of these are in fact true. The truth is that the sidhe are descendents of a supernatural race known as the Tuatha de Danaan, whom were referred to as the gods and goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. Though the Tuath De originated in Ireland, they soon spread to the rest of the Celtic lands, known today as Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. Though humans lived amongst the Tuath De for a period of time, they soon drove them into another plane of existence that mirrored Earth’s due to mankind’s growing reliance to metal and iron. Most of the entrances and exits to this plane during this time were large mounds of earth, which the Irish called the sidhe (lit. “the mounds”). This was how the Tuatha de Danaan and their descendents were referred to henceforth.
Over time, as each subsequent generation became less powerful and less like a god, and as human-sidhe interaction practically ceased with the progress of science and technology, even that term had been forgotten by most. Though the sidhe and various different kinds of them are now practically spread across the entire planet, modern humankind views the sidhe as the harmless, smaller, and winged fairy. This suits the sidhe, however, allowing them anonymity when they traverse over into the human’s world.
How the sidhe evolved into distinct classes that reflected morality is a true mystery, however. Experts speculate that the benevolent Seelie fey are descended from kinder Tuatha de Danaan, such as the god Lugh, while the malevolent Unseelie fey are descended from crueler Tuatha de Danaan, such as the goddess known as The Morrigan.
The monarchs of the Courts have been ruling the trooping fey since the sidhe were first conceived. They and their relatives are the most powerful fey in Tir Na nOg. Before, they went by no common name, as their True Names were something that had to be kept hidden, but as soon as William Shakespeare mentioned them in his plays, they adopted the names he so chose for them. Thus, the Queen of the Winter Court is known as Mab, and the King and Queen of the Summer Court are known as Oberon and Titania.
Territories of Tir Na nOg
The realm of the sidhe is a land known as Tir Na nOg (lit. “the Land of Youth”). It is a realm that mirrors Earth, but is easily influenced by the power of the sidhe. The Land of Youth fits its name well: to normal humans, Tir na nOg is a land of untold beauty. The colors are brighter, the sounds sweeter, and the smells sharper than that of Earth’s. Many humans cannot help but cry at their first sight of Tir na nOg. Most of Tir Na nOg consists of wyldwood, neutral areas that belong to neither the Winter nor the Summer Courts. It is actually in these areas that one would encounter the most variety of sidhe.
Lands occupied by Winter or Summer Courts have no name that is pronounceable in English, although the capitals of the Summer and Winter Courts have been given English ones (Emain Ablach and Mag Mell, respectively). The land reflects the type of fey that reside there. If from the Winter Court, the land would be very cold and piled with snow. If from the Summer Court, on the other hand, the land would be warm and lush with green plants and colorful flowers, almost like a tropical forest.
Social Structure
Social structure is very complicated within the sidhe. Collectively, they are referred to as the sidhe or the fey, though they may be singularly called fairy. There are two major social categories that the sidhe fall under: either solitary or trooping.
Solitary fey are the beings that typically live by themselves in their own spaces. Since each type of fey live on their own, there is no specific social structure within solitary fey. Though many are found in the wyldwood, solitary fey can also be found in the lands of both the Winter and Summer Courts. Solitary fey usually consist of uncontrollable beasts such as cockatrices or wyverns, loner-types such as leprechauns or banshee, or those that cannot stray far from a certain area, such as kelpies from their pools of water or tree spirits from their respective trees. Though, it is possible for a trooping fairy to eschew the confines of society and become a solitary fairy by choice.
Trooping fey are the beings that are more sociable and that live together in groups. They typically live in towns surrounding the manor or palace of the ruling fey. Fey of the ruling class are usually the lords and ladies that lead their town, though they all answer to their monarchs. Each trooping fairy has their own niche that they fulfill in trooping society-- very rarely does a goblin aspire to be a noble, or an aristocratic fairy to be a baker. It is also possible for a solitary fairy to join trooping society, though this too is very rare, as by nature most solitary fey prefer to live on their own; more often than not it is because they are forced to and have no choice.
It should be noted that the term Seelie fey refers to any fairy that is kind and benevolent, regardless of whether they’re trooping or solitary, though generally trooping Seelie fey are found in the Summer Court. The same applies to the term Unseelie fey, the major differences being that they are cruel and malevolent and generally trooping Unseelie fey are found in the Winter Court.
General Physiology and Psychology
Since there are many kinds of sidhe all with differing appearances, abilities, and behaviours, this section shall be very brief. Generally, humanoid fey always have the tell-tale sign of pointed ears. They look and are shaped mostly like normal human ears, save for the fact that the tops of their ears come to a rounded point. They are not literally pointed; that is merely a descriptor. The sidhe are also not immortal. Rather, they are long-lived to the point that they seem immortal, though there's still debate on whether or not the monarchs are an exception to this. Humanoid fey, much like humans, can look beautiful or ugly, willowy or bulky, tall or short; the difference is that they are not all one species. Beastly fey, in contrast, can either be monsters from folklore (such as a gryphon or a cockatrice) or simply fantastical animals (such as a white hart or a night-mare). More about the specific types of sidhe can be found in future entries.
Mentally, both humanoid fey and beastly fey are intelligent and self-aware, though some beastly fey may not be able to speak or even be self-aware either. They enjoy making deals and bargains, and also enjoy tricking others. The sidhe also cannot lie, but are masters of half-truths and of not revealing everything. The fey put extreme importance on politeness and are thus easily offended by rude or insulting behavior, and will more than likely react rashly (such as turning someone into a toad) regardless of morality, unless the rude person apologizes. With those universal qualities in mind, there is then a divide in behavior between the two moral classes of sidhe. Seelie fey delight in mischief, but generally help out those who come to seek their aid. They are very open with their emotions, and often get swept up in them. Unseelie fey, on the other hand, take pleasure in cruelty and manipulating vulnerable beings. They are more likely to attack first and ask questions later, and seldom offer aid unless they too can benefit from it (and usually more so than the person seeking aid). They are often cold and distant with only the slightest hints of emotion.
Interactions with Other Races
There are certain times during the year when the sidhe are more likely to cavort around on Earth, traditionally in long processions, though in modern times they usually disperse amongst the humans. These days are May Day, Midsummer's Eve, Samhain (Halloween), and Midwinter's Eve. The solstices and equinoxes are feast days for the trooping fey, and these are celebrations held exclusively in Tir Na nOg. Who hosts the party depends on the solstice or equinox: the Summer Court hosts in the Spring and Summer, while the Winter Court hosts in the Fall and Winter. The equinoxes are especially important as they symbolize the transfer of power over the seasons from one monarch to another. For example, on the Fall Equinox, the Summer monarch would transfer power over to the Winter monarch. Sometimes, esteemed humans and other beings are invited to these parties.
The sidhe keep a wary distance from demons, and the same can be said for demons regarding the fey. They are incredibly similar, and yet vastly different at the same time. Where the sidhe may on occasion regard humans as being beneath them in terms of power, they regard demons as dangerous equals.
Weaknesses
Though all sidhe are sensitive to metal, the most toxic to them is iron. Pure iron or iron ores work best, but wrought iron, cast iron, and steel can still kill any kind of sidhe, providing it is introduced into their system. That is, for iron to be fatal to them, the easiest way is to draw blood with it. Much like kryptonite is for Superman though, prolonged periods of exposure to iron can weaken the fey. This of course depends on the type of sidhe, how much fey power they hold, and how much iron is present; for example, an aristocratic sidhe in or near a human city would not see any effect until a long period of time has passed. A diminutive, quintessential winged fairy, on the other hand, could only remain in or near a human city for about fifteen minutes.
Another weakness that can be exploited against the sidhe are their True Names. Every sidhe has one and they keep it a secret to everyone else, using other names to serve for everyday interaction. They do this because anyone who knows the True Name of a fairy can command them to do anything that they want. Finding the True Name of a fairy is very difficult to do though, and it would be easier to threaten them with iron than to compel them with a secret name. Also make note of the fact that if you use the True Name of any fey, that they will make you an enemy that must be destroyed so as to keep that True Name a secret (not to mention to get revenge for the humiliation of being commanded by another being).