Today I introduce you to a well known British folklore being, the Pixie. Pixie’s or ‘Pixy‘, ‘Pixi‘, ‘Pizkie‘ and even ‘Pigsie‘ (yes there are that many different ways to refer to one) mainly feature in South West English folklore, particularly around the moors of Devon and Cornwall.
Pixie’s are generally regarded as a benign mischievous creature, whose appearance has changed over the centuries. In today’s tales Pixie’s are depicted as having:
- Pointed ears
- Wearing pointed hats
- Have red hair
- Have green clothing
Whereas in Victorian era, they are said to have had:
- Upward pointing eyes
- Could be naked or wearing very few items of clothing
While descriptions have changed what has stayed the same is that they are small (almost child like) who like to dance to the sound of nature under the moonlight.
Stories from the Victorian era hold a negative attitude when referring to a Pixie. It was believed Pixie’s stole unbaptised children, switching them for a changeling. If anything Pixie’s seem to be used as a way to encourage families to ensure their children were baptised. That being said modern Pixie tales show a more playful side, with them playing tricks on passing travellers and helping people with housework.
It’s also said that Pixie’s like horses, so much so that they will make ringlets with a horse’s mane. So if you have a horse and wake up one day to find ringlets in your horses hair, it may have encountered a Pixie during the night.
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