Three Things: Fairy Edition

Two weeks ago, a friend wondered aloud about the cause of fairy rings: those dark circles in his lawn, sometimes ringed with mushrooms. What followed was a lively discussion involving fungi, nitrogen, lawn care, and, of course, fairies, elves, and trolls. Naturally, it got me in a fairy mood.

When some people think of fairies, I suppose they picture a Disney character of some sort, but in my head, fairies have always been mischievous and temperamental at best: creatures that are just as likely to trap you to your death than not. Granted, not all fairies are bad, but in most folk tales, coming across a fairy or elf in the woods usually brings some sort of trouble. Which, you see, is what makes it so magical. A fairy who smiles prettily and does anything you ask? Boring. An unpredictable fairy that you have to outwit? Oh, bring it on.

We have three bits of fairy mischief this week: to begin, a mouse chase by John Anster “Fairy” Fitzgerald; a photograph of one of the Cottingley fairies to follow; and a scene from one of the better-known fairy tricks to end.

John Anster Fitzgerald, The Chase of the White Mouse, early 1860s. Oil on canvas. 

Frances Griffiths, Fairy Offering Posy of Harebells to Elsie, 1920. Photograph.

Daniel Maclise, The Disenchantment of Bottom, 1832. Oil on canvas. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT.  (Scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, IV.i)