Fairy

Fairy - in Celtic and Germanic folklore - being metaphysical nature having inexplicable, supernatural powers, leading hidden (both collective and separate) lifestyle while having the property to interfere with daily life - under the guise of good intentions, often causing harm [ 2]. The image of the fairies as exquisitely attractive, usually petite women, formed in the heyday of Romanticism in Western literature and has been developed in the Victorian era [3] [4] [5]. In a broad sense, the "fairies" in Western European folklore taken to mean the variety of related mythological creatures, often radically different from each other and appearance and habits, ostensibly friendly and bringing good luck, more often - sly and vindictive, prone to Hoaxes and abductions - before all infants [6] [7] [8].
History of the term and the phenomenon
The word "fairy", like its English equivalent fairy, was borrowed from Old French «faerie» (sovr. - feerie, fee), covering everything that is somehow related to the location of residence and work groups mythical "little people» (faie; later - fee). The source of the French term is Latin fata (guardian spirit, hence the same - Italian fata, Spanish hada). Fata, are used in the feminine gender in the Romance languages, it was originally neuter plural («fates») was derived from fatum («predicted", "prophetic").
Terminology associated with the fairies, to change, and not consistent, so in England initially dominated the idea of ​​"elf", "fairy" in French folklore come here later. [6] In addition, according to the "Oxford Dictionary of Celtic Mythology", "talking about fairies in English is extremely difficult, because the fairy word here translated dozens of more specific terms, indicating the various creatures of the same kind of Irish, shotlanskoy, Gallic, Welsh, Cornwall, mankskoy folk traditions ". [7]
The first reports of fairies appeared in medieval Europe, and the most widespread in Ireland, Cornwall, Wales and Scotland. [2] The first written retellings of stories about fairies in folklore were made Kambrensom Gerald (Giraldus Cambrensis, 1146-1223). However, these records - a rarity: mostly legends and stories passed down by word of mouth. [7] The researchers noted a striking similarity between the description of the fairies and their characteristics in Celtic, English, Scandinavian and continental folk traditions. [7]
Over time, the "documentary" evidence of people allegedly communicate with fairies, mixed with legends and literary images as medieval and relatively modern. [6] Complicates the matter of the fact that, under the guise of "fairies" in folklore entered characters of ancient mythology and sagas. [7] In addition, such an authoritative researcher, as Ven. Robert Kirk, who undertook the study of the fairies in Aberfoyle, Scotland, he was a supporter of the reality of their existence (in fact, according to legend, ended up being carried away in their kingdom). [8] Folklorists have collected numerous data on this belief, but their work remained largely unknown public and do not take seriously - as long as Catherine M. Briggc not put together all the facts on this phenomenon, demonstrating its prevalence, and a number of common features [ 6].
Descriptions of fairies
The idea of ​​the fairy as tiny humanoid creature, often with wings, emerged relatively recently, in the second half of the XIX century. Originally fairy described in two ways - either as a tall, glowing angelic nature, or as something small and wrinkled and most appropriate under the description of a troll. [9] In the Scottish tale "The Fairy and the pot" to save the following description: "... The fairy was a tiny woman with a sharp little face, bright eyes and dark skin hazel. She lived in a green, grassy hill that rises near the home shepherd ". [10]
In this fairy creatures called both female and male, and the size is not taken as a permanent reality: in fact, it was thought that this take on their characteristic fairy magical means, arbitrarily changing it depending on what they want to make an impression [11] . It was alleged that the fairy can take the form of animals (selkie, kelpie) [12]. If you believe the post Justine Goh (Justinian Gaux), the ability to reincarnate fairies truly has no boundaries: XIV century author claimed that his eyes turned fairy once in two opposing armies, which immediately entered into a bloody battle, leaving the battlefield 700 corpses - and this is after the fairy, responsible for all of this, has managed to take the original form and to withdraw from the event. [13]
Reverend Robert Kirk, the parish priest of the Scottish Aberfoyle in Stirling, on the exterior of the fairies wrote in 1691 («The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies»): «These reasonable moving spirits have glowing, modify bodies (related to what is called the" astral ") and <consistency> thick clouds; they are best seen at dusk. These bodies is so changeable by refinement of the spirit inhabiting them, which may choose to disappear or appear last "[14]. Allusion to "illusionist" abilities present in fairy tales of the drug, which are presented to people [15] [16]. Popular heroine of Scandinavian sagas - the woman who caused the fairies to take childbirth (giving birth in such cases is often a woman from among the mortals, fairies kidnapping). As a reward midwife give salve designed typically for the child's eyes. Out of curiosity (or misunderstanding), she decided to try the effect of the drug on himself, and then as if to see clearly the reality (the only one midwife told me that she understood she took birth not in a noble lady in the palace, while the beggar in filthy cave) and in own world back or blind, or endowed with dangerous property - see fairies. [17]
In Celtic folklore, fairy - or undersized tiny creature, often becoming invisible - putting on a magic hat. Favorite color fairies - green, and this is not just clothes - there were reports of fairies with green skin and hair. [7] First depict fairies with wings, as if borrowed from insects began illustrators and artists of the Victorian era, when the fairy in the popular consciousness has developed into a kind of beautiful fairy tales. [2] In ancient tales do not seem to describe: the fairies were said to fly, but it did without the wings, often using as "vehicles" stems of plants (eg, ragweed) or birds [18].
Classification of fairies
It is believed that fairies are divided into two classes: the "social" and "individual", but this first graduation held recently-U. B. Yeats (1888) and James McDougall (1910). [7] Fairies of the first group (trooping fairies: Yeats himself and put into use the term) living communities and leisure activities engaged in collective sense: basically, dancing, music-making and participation in luxurious feasts. Mortals are fully capable to overhear the sounds of celebration, you just step on the mound fairies; discern traces of such gatherings of the rings on the grass or flower beds. In Celtic sources claim that "music fairy" was a "divine nature" and, moreover, that "some folk music originated in the music of the fairies". [8] "Sociable" fairies prefer green color and different size: the tiniest of them can be the size of a flower, the largest capable of entering into an intimate relationship with mortals, as there were "documented" evidence. [7]
Lonely fairy, however, avoid gatherings and despise unbridled fun fairies "nepotism": they are either attached to a person and become part of the home (brownies, brownie, leprechaun Irish), trying to help the owners and to bring good luck, or inhabit the open spaces (bogey: bogey, boggart) and there are more or less danger to bystanders. [6] Home fairy single prefers red, brown, or gray outfits. She often communicates with mortals in a threatening tone, and easily angered, but it is always tied to the man and, apparently, feels dependent on interaction with adults and children. Fairies single love do good may select food or money to give to the poor, bring toys to children or taken off damage by sending a witch. [7]
If the "sociable" fairy - a kind of "aristocrats" When there is good-natured, they are "lonely" relatives - "workers", the last popular rumor attributed special irritability. "Home" essentially helps owners to wash dishes, make fire, but ask to be treated with respect and rewarded a cup of milk for their care. In anger, they are capable of producing the effect resembles that soprovozhdaett Poltergeist: throwing stones, prevent ripening wheat, blow out the candles, utensils thrown from the shelves, the house was filled with smoke. [8]
The country of "social" fairy has a huge number of inhabitants, all the messages it - the monarchy, controlled queens, kings fairies are less common but have been mentioned and the rulers - couples. As noted, "The Oxford Dictionary of Celtic Mythology", in many ways, "the kingdom of the fairies resemble human understanding of life in heaven. And there is no time, as there is no deformity, disease, age, and death. Mortals that fall into the realm of the fairies can spend up to 900 years, which seem to them just one night. " Abode fairies "aristocrats" always richly decorated with gold and silver. [7] Most romantic and touching folk stories somehow beat the "time" aspect tell of death, fell in love with the Queen of the fairies, who takes him to his kingdom, including all the desires, but then - with the effect of a breach of taboo - to the back, where he and learns that the earth went back hundreds of years. [8]
In Scottish folklore, there was a rating of the moral sense: it was believed that members of Seelie Court (Seelie - «Blessed", "sacred", analogous to the German selig or Old English sælig) - this is the "good" fairies. Despite the resentment and revenge, they are ready to provide assistance to a person, ask him for help, and then generously reward for it. [19] Their antipodes of Unseelie Court, on the contrary, ready to do harm, and without any reason to. [20] They attack at night traveler, transfer it to another country by air, beaten, forced to shoot livestock (elf-shoot) [21] [22]. Typical examples of this class of beings considered bogle, boggar, Abbylubber [23].
This kind of division is never seen as something strong: for example, English "Pixie» (pixie) has the characteristics of being both social and solitary, of the entity known as Robin Goodfellow, the impression as equally - about mischievous prankster and good home helper. Not all researchers agree that Brown - a kind of fairies. [6] Remained unclear, and the status of "nokera» (knocker), being supposedly inhabited the mines, where metal ore mined. [6]
Traits
The main feature of the fairies was considered extraordinary sensibility, notes the continuing willingness of fairies and thank people for their service. True, the gifts of fairies did not deserve to be treated confidential: the so-called "gold fairy" one only looked at presentation to, and very soon it turned into leaves, ginger cake crumbs, etc. [24] Among the unpleasant traits of fairies, which to fear the man mentioned a tendency to all sorts of pranks. Fairies could confuse hair sleeping, steal small items divert travelers astray. Attributed to them, and the more dangerous behaviors. One of the causes of any form of sudden death was considered kidnapping the fairies, what looked like a dead body, it was believed dummy leaves fairies instead kidnapped a living person [2] [25].
It was believed that vengeful fairies can cause disease (eg, tuberculosis), cause paralysis of livestock. [26] Fear of fairies and elves, bringing disease, remained in England until the time of the Tudors and the Stuarts. Kept records showing activity of rural healers who treated children in which "inspires fairy" - were the main means prayer or "magic potions". [6] On the other hand, people with unusual abilities, often claimed to have received them as a gift from the fairies, in the XVI-XVII centuries, was not uncommon, when healers have used drugs, as they claimed, brought by the fairies, and the same forces were able to expose the witches [6]. Stone arrowheads Neolithic considered "weapons fairies": water, which dipped these stones brought, it was thought, freedom from disease [8].
Fairies, known as Peg Powler and Jenny Greenteeth, who lived in the waters could drown Bathe, advised to avoid swimming in areas where they live. [27] Fairies, according to Celtic legends, were able to bring the "impact» (fairy stroke), which deprived the victim of speech. It was alleged that offended fairy terrible in his anger: it reacts violently and decisively, often burning houses and destroying crops. At the same tricks of the fairies were often not provoked they only made mischief for clot milk, milked the cows in the fields, snatching food from the table, soiled clothing left to dry. [7]
Abductions
In the folklore associated with fairies, a significant place stories of kidnapping. The people believed that this is a dangerous habit for a person had to do with "subordinate" position fairies that pay tribute to the devil's own children, in order to save the past, they steal men, instead of leaving the foundlings. [28] The latter are thought to have resemblance to the kidnapped children, but they were pale, painful and irritated. [7] Sometimes foundling could entice recognize their origin, but there was more brutal methods - torture by fire, and the belief in its efficacy persists in some rural areas of the UK until the middle of XIX century. [8] "There is no doubt that some children received fatal burns, becoming a victim of its own extremely unusual temperament" [8], - said Lewis Spence.
Danger of abduction were adults, especially mothers, who have not had a priest. [29] According to popular belief, a prisoner of the fairies could turn out to be just a tasting treats fairy. [30] The fate of kidnapped a discrepancy in the stories: according to one view in the realm of fairies, they live happily, without fear of disease and death, according to another - languishing with longing for family and friends. [31]
Folk remedies for fairies
A significant part of Western folklore associated with fairies, for protection of their anger: the primary role for this cold iron, which the fairies are afraid. Fear before the iron fey subsequently contacted with the theory of "fairies"-descendants of the conquered peoples (invaders using iron tools, the indigenous people - stone). Were known as the magical properties of ash, the defending fairy. [32] In folklore, there are detailed instructions on the protection of fairies kidnapping children and adults [25]. Among the charms to scare the fairies mentioned putting clothes inside out. It was believed that fairies are afraid of running water, the sound of church bells, clover-quatrefoil. In these regulations were noticed contradictions: for example, some communities rowan revered as a means of scaring away fairies, but in other religions mentioned as a plant sacred to the fairies.
In the folklore of Newfoundland main defense against fairies considered bread as fresh and stale. The belief in the magical properties of special bread goes back to ancient times. Bread, which has a relationship with the home and hearth as a symbol of the conquest of nature and, therefore, should be disgusted with the fairies. However, it was fresh-baked bread (along with butter and cream) was considered the most common form of the gift of fairy or houses. [33] According to K. Briggs, "primitive food and therefore a symbol of life - bread is the most common means of protection against the fairies. Before heading to the place inhabited by fairies, it was considered necessary to enlist the support force of bread, put a piece of it in his pocket ". [34] In Ireland (in particular, in the county of Wexford, as recorded in 1882), "if the child had to take out of the house in the dark, in his cradle sewn clothing or a piece of bread as a protection against evil forces" [35]. On the other hand, is strictly not recommended to eat fairy gifts: it was thought that this is how you can step back to them in the "kingdom" and stay there forever. [2]
Ambiguous role played and bells with bells: though their sound was thought to scare members of the "small world", the Queen of the fairies often used bells to harness their horses.

Werewolf

Werewolf

] Known species of werewolves

• Lycanthrope - werewolf takes wolf wolf or similar form.

• volkolak or werewolves - lycanthrope in Slavic mythology.

• Vilktaki - lycanthrope in Lithuanian mythology.

• Werewolf - lycanthrope in the German and Anglo-Saxon mythology.

• Mardagayl - lycanthrope in Armenian mythology.

• Bisklavert - lycanthrope in Breton tradition.

• Kitsune - werewolf-fox in Japanese mythology.

• Tanuki - raccoon dog.

• Anioto - People leopards.

• Rugaru - a man with a wolf's head, or "hybrid" of a person with a dog, a pig, cow or chicken (usually white).

• Silk - people-seals in Celtic mythology.

In mythology

Transformation into an animal - a very common theme in the mythologies of various cultures. Thus, in "Lay" is described by the capture of Polotsk and Novgorod Vseslav battle on Nemiga. Vseslav presented witch and werewolf.

Kitsune

Kitsune

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Kitsune (Jap. 狐) - the Japanese name for the fox. In Japan, there are two subspecies of fox Japanese red fox (hondo kitsune living on Honshu; Vulpes japonica) and Hokkaido fox (kitsune whale, living in Hokkaido; Vulpes schrencki).

Folklore

In Japanese folklore, these animals possess a greater knowledge, long life, and magical powers. Chief among them - the ability to take the form of a man, a fox, according to legend, is a student to do it at a certain age (usually a hundred years, although some legends - fifty). Kitsune usually take the shape of a seductive beauty, pretty young girls, but sometimes turn around and the elderly. It should be noted that in the Japanese mythology was mixing indigenous Japanese beliefs that characterized the fox as an attribute of the god Inari (see for example the Legend - "Fox-weight weight" [1]) and the Chinese, who thought Fox werewolves, comes close to the demons.

Other features commonly attributed to the kitsune include the ability to become implanted in the wrong body, exhale or otherwise create fire, to appear in other people's dreams, and the ability to create illusions are so complex that they are almost indistinguishable from reality. Some of the stories go on, speaking of kitsune with the ability to bend space and time, bring people mad, or take such inhuman or fantastic shapes like trees indescribable height or a second moon in the sky. Occasionally kitsune ascribed characteristics that resemble vampires: they feed on the life force or spiritual people you come into contact. Sometimes describe kitsune guarding round or pear-shaped object (hoshi tama but that is the "star ball") states that it had taken possession of the ball can make kitsune to help themselves, one theory states that the kitsune "stockpile" of his magic in this ball after transformation. Kitsune must keep their promises, otherwise they will have to be punished by a reduction of their rank or level of force.

Kitsune are associated with both Shinto and to Buddhist beliefs. In Shinto Kitsune are associated with Inari, the patron deity of rice fields and businesses. Foxes were originally messengers (Czukay) of the deity, but now the difference between them is so blurred that Inari himself sometimes depicted as a fox. In Buddhism, they became famous for the popular IX-X centuries in Japan Buddhist Shingon school secret, one of the principal deities of which, Dakini, depicted riding on horseback through the sky on FOX.

In folklore, the kitsune - a kind of youkai, that is a demon. In this context, the word "kitsune" is often translated as "fox spirit." However, this does not necessarily mean that they are not living beings, or are something other than foxes. The word "spirit" is used here in the Eastern sense, reflecting the state of knowledge or insight. Any fox, who lived long enough, so that can be a "fox-spirit." There are two main types of kitsune: mebu or godly fox, which is often associated with Inari and nogitsune or wild fox (literally "field fox"), often, but not always, described as an evil that has malicious intent.

We kitsune can be up to nine tails. In general, it is believed that the older and stronger than the fox, the greater her tail. Some sources even claim that kitsune grows extra tail every hundred or a thousand years of your life. However, the fox found in fairy tales, almost always have one, five, or nine tails.

When kitsune get nine tails, their fur becomes silver, white, or gold. But these kyubi kitsune ("nine-fox") gets the power of infinite insight. Similarly, in Korea, said the fox, who lived a thousand years, turns into kumiho (Kumiho) (literally "nine-fox"), but the Korean fox always portrayed evil in contrast to the Japanese fox, which can be both benevolent and malevolent. Vkitayskom folklore also has a "fox spirits" (fuck-ching), in many ways similar to the kitsune, including the possibility of having nine tails.

In some stories, kitsune have difficulty hiding his tail in human form (usually foxes in these stories have only one tail, which may be an indication of weakness and inexperience of the fox). Attentive hero can expose a person turning drunken or reckless fox making out through the clothes of her tail.

One of the famous kitsune is also a great guardian spirit Kyubi. It is a spirit guardian and protector to help young "wayward" souls on their way to the current incarnation. Kyubi usually remain for long, only a few days, but in the case of attachment to a single soul can accompany her for years. This is a rare type of kitsune, was awarded a fortunate few with his presence and help.

In Japanese folklore, the kitsune are often described as deceivers, and sometimes it is very evil. Kitsune-deceiver use their magical powers for mischief: those that appear in a favorable light, tend to choose their goals too proud samurai, greedy merchants, and boastful people, while more severe kitsune tend to torment the poor traders, farmers and Buddhist monks.

More kitsune is often described as mistresses. In these stories, there is usually a young man and a kitsune, taking the form of a woman. Sometimes attributed to the role of seductress kitsune, but often these stories more romantic. In these stories, the young man usually marries a beautiful woman (not knowing it was a fox), and attaches great importance to its commitment. In many of these stories, there is a tragic element: they end up finding the essence of a fox, kitsune then must leave her husband.

The oldest known stories of wives, foxes, which gives folk etymology of the word "kitsune", in this sense, is no exception. It takes the form of a fox woman and married a man, and then the two of them, having spent several happy years together, give birth to more children. Its essence fox suddenly opened when in the presence of many witnesses, it scared the dog, and to hide, takes its true form. Kitsune is preparing to leave home, but her husband stopped her, saying, "Now that we have been together for several years and you gave me a few children, I can not just forget you. Please come and sleep. " Lisa agrees, and has since returned to her husband every night as a woman, leaving the next morning in the form of a fox. After that it became known as kitsune - because in classical Japanese kitsu-ne means "let's go and get some sleep," while Tsune ki means "always coming."

Offspring of marriages between people and is usually attributed to the kitsune special physical and / or supernatural properties. The particular nature of these properties, however, varies from one source to another. Among those who were thought to have such an extraordinary opportunity - known ommedzi Abe-no Seimei, who was hane (poludemon), the son of man and kitsune.

Rain falling from the sky, sometimes called kitsune, but emeiri or "kitsune wedding."

Varieties

• Yako or Yakan - ordinary kitsune.

• Byakko ("white fox") - Kitsune, wherein the white color.

• AOPC ("Black Fox") - kitsune black.

• Reiki ("Ghost Fox").

• Kiko ("spiritistic fox").

• Corio ("chasing the fox").

• Cuco ("air fox").

• Nogitsune ("wild fox").

• Tank ("Divine Fox") - kitsune over 1000 years, has nine tails, and sometimes golden skin.

Volkolak

Volkolak (werewolves) - Werewolf in Slavic mythology, taking image of the wolf: it is a sorcerer or receiving animal image, or just a person of witchcraft spell turned into a wolf.

With the Slavs volkolak due representation of creatures devour the sun and the moon.

Etymology

The name comes from Wolf + dlaka, the second word means bear. In Church Slavonic dictionary Fr. Mr. Dyachenko is declared Old Slavonic, in the etymological dictionary M. Vasmer - Church Slavonic, both doubtful, since the word is not found either in the old-and Church Slavonic texts, nor in the ancient.

It is believed that since the beginning of XIX century with the light hand of Pushkin spread distorted (from volkolak vurkolak) form of the name - Ghoul, which soon became the dominant literary language (see: M. Fasmer. Etymological dictionary of the Russian language. Per . to him. and complement ON Trubacheva. T. 1. Moscow: Progress Publishers, 1964). [1]

The word "volkolak" (with the regular phonetic variations) Slavic: Russian. volkolak Ukr. vovkulaka, Belarus. vaўkalak, Pol. wilkołak (from literature. vilkolakis), Czech. vlkodlak, Slovak. vlkolak, Serb. vukodlak, Bulg. vlkolak, vrkolak (where grech.βρουκόλακας, βρυκόλακας and room. pricolic). Hypothetical. Art.-Slav. vlkodlak.

Similarity in other nations

Similar volkolak werewolf werewolf (from drevnegermanskogo wer - man and wolf - wolf Werwolf educated German and English werewolf); and Spanish hombre lobo; French loupgarou; Italian lupo mannaro; Portuguese lobisomem; ancient Romans - faunus ficarius, Armenians - mardagayl.

Beliefs in the werewolf played a prominent role in folk tales and distributed around the world, in some countries instead wolves are other predatory beasts in the East Indies - a tiger in South America - the jaguar, in Africa - lion, hyena, etc. n, stories about them most people of different races come together with each other even in the details. It is known that in Belarus volkolak attributed to the Prince of Polotsk Vseslav, which, because of its nature, becomes a wolf, nicknamed - Wizard (Usyaslaў Charadzey).

South Russian and Ukrainian Believe

According to Ukrainian folk traditions sorcerers or witches, anyone wanting to turn into a wolf, catch a wolf pelt and whisper with the magic words.

Sometimes the sorcerer puts a threshold excess belt of twisted bast, who step over the belt, and he turns into a wolf and a former human form can be obtained only when the belt will rub and arcane burst, or when someone will put on him to take off Time, which had previously been imposed on the nodes and imposing each time saying Gospodipomiluy.

Themselves witches, wanting to transform into animals, catch yourself a ring of urine or tumble through hoops.

To turn the wedding train in a pack of wolves, the sorcerer take as belts and urine, how to train those whispers over the straps and bast spell, and then one by one they belts ride; belted immediately become volkolak.

Against these spells can only act spells or charms, which are called wards. In Kharkov province because people believe in the power of charms, that does not bother them to quack spoken: they can read and anyone acting in the role of a wedding groomsman.

In Ukraine volkolak distinguish two kinds. Volkolak transformed from ordinary people, beings do not seem malicious, and those who are suffering, unhappy, deserving full of compassion: they live in dens, scouring the woods, howling like a wolf, but retain the human sense. Volkolak just turns freely, especially witches, do not experience any pain, use the conversion to its purpose; Ryskov wolves at night, at dawn, they again take human form. This distinction is very boldly serve two facts, which can be summarized as common beliefs volkolak.

Volkolak sufferers - are representatives of a special kind of madness, in which patients imagine that they are or may be converted into a wolf. This disease, known as lycanthropy, was distributed in Europe, the average age, patients of this kind still found in the Russian villages, such disease is known in Abyssinia and vAssame, only there the role played by the wolf hyena and a tiger.

At the same beliefs about volkolak malicious visible echoes of mystical ideas, in which the wolf is the personification of the hostile forces of nature. South Slavic beliefs associated with volkolak vampires (vampire). According to legends of the South Slavs, volkolak induces hunger, sucks the blood of humans and dogs sometimes assumes the shape of a handsome guy and makes the young widow to join him in the marriage bond, and therefore the result is children who have, generally, not byvaetkostey. Every man, who was in his lifetime friends with veshtitsami (witch) or evil pitchfork or devil and died without repentance, is made after the death volkolak: a devilish spirit enters the body of a dead man, animates him and forces him to cause all kinds of misery to man. However, even good people sometimes waiting in the afterlife fate volkolak. This happens when a dead man, while he was lying on the table, crossing the cat, dog or chicken. Therefore, the South Slavs banish these animals out of their homes for as long as there is a dead man. In volkolak become as children born of the marriage relation volkolak with a woman, and also people who have incurred the anger and vengeance sorcerer or witch. Then at night is to them an evil spirit with a wolf's skin and tells her to put on, and after that they start at night to scour the wolves, and at dawn, handing over his Wolfskin again take human form.

] Possible Images

The man who is destined to become volkolak can vary during the life of his good qualities: evil forces control all his actions, taught him witchcraft and even seduce him from the path of truth. He usually cunning, powerful, wonderfully ugly and very happy in all their activities and enterprises, he dies instantly. People's imagination with bright colors draws an image volkolak: yellowish, pitted face wrinkles; vsklochennye, hair standing on end, red, bloodshot eyes, covered with blood up to the elbows hands iron teeth - jet black, bluish mustache and saggy skin on the body - that's external volkolak view. But when the night he leaves the dark grave, or he turns into a bat or takes human form, keeping only their iron teeth. However, after the first cock he rushes back to his grave. To get rid of visits volkolak to kill him in his own grave with a stake of hawthorn. But the difficulty of carrying the tool is how to find the grave volkolak. In most cases, the residents of the area in which, thanks to visits volkolak mortality appeared strong, take a young stallion, and with it go to the cemetery, where forced to move from his tomb on the grave as long until you notice that the stallion began to back away from a grave, make jumps to the side and show signs of fear. This means that the grave is hidden something terrible. Fast approaching villagers to this tomb, surrounding it on all sides, dig, and if you notice that the body of the dead man has not yet decayed, despite the fact that he has long been buried, or if the dead man has the appearance, typical volkolak then turn it on his back and between the shoulders drive a number of hawthorn. Villagers rush to burn the corpse and volkolak count, he was killed.

It is believed that as in the tales of the ancient Slavs encrypts thieves. According to the description "volkolak" is very similar to modern thieves. In the bad old days, the best thief's den - a graveyard, and if specifically, the dugout, disguised as a grave. In the woods to hide it was dangerous for thieves. Cross the threshold of the sorcerer - the essence enter into the house of so-called. "Thief in law". And he'll turn into "volkolak." Happy you are a man, at night - a robber. When the dugout - "grave" thief found with horses, for example, digging - he pretended to be dead, and for that it was a fairy tale, if the corpse is not yet decayed - Pierce his stake. In addition, modern apologists and thieves, and the thieves themselves, see themselves as wolves. [1] Moreover, thieves, and now divided into dragons, who steal are shallow themselves to vodka or drugs, they often forgives people, and those who receive the greatest benefit. "Die volkolak quickly."

Mermaid

Mermaid - the mythological and folkloric humanoid, mainly female (or spirit) associated with bodies of water. In Russian folklore, also called cracker, bathing, vodyanitsa, loskotuha and other nicknames. Akin Mavka.
Appearance
According to the traditional Russian ideas, mermaid looks little different from people in the late Russian literature and cinema under Western influence, the image of a mermaid purchased at the bottom of the body instead of the legs flat tail like a fish's tail. Western European mermaid appearance inherited from the artistic depictions of the Homeric sirens, Slavic similar to the Greek nymphs. In the English-speaking bestiary for Slavic mermaids use the word rusalka, and for Western - mermaid.
Important distinctive and unifying feature in the appearance of the mermaids - flowing long hair. Bareheaded, unacceptable in normal everyday situations for a normal peasant girl - a typical and very important attribute: "walks like a mermaid (about unkempt maid)" (from the dictionary Dahl).
The predominant color of hair - Brown, why historian Soloviev produces the name "mermaid" - "with blond hair". [1]
According to some Russian ideas, mermaids have the appearance of little girls, very pale, with green hair and long arms. In the northern regions of Russia (in some places in the Ukraine) mermaids mostly described as shaggy ugly women. Often there is a great chest, "tsytski big, big, already scary". [2]
] The mythological image
In Little Russia and Galicia, there were three kinds of ideas about mermaids. According to one view are identified with mermaids Mavka (dead babies), on the other - with Melusine and are called "Melusine", on the third - with wild women, "Mamun" (monkeys) of Poles and "forks" of Serbs and Bulgarians, who owned wells and lakes and were able to "lock up" water. The Ukrainian fairy tales turn into a mermaid dead girls and children, mostly drowned, people bathing in overtime, those who specifically carried off the water to his service, unbaptized children. In the ballet "Giselle" as the title character is "Vila" after his death.
On the idea of ​​mermaids reflected beliefs connected with "Rusal", the ancient classical concepts of souls of the dead. In a Russian folk song: "mermaid queen, fair maiden, do not ruin the air bag, do not let a boa constrictor, and we'll bow down." Sometimes turn into a protein, rats, frogs. In the Ukrainian song mermaid called "zemlyanochkami."
According to legend, the mermaids of unbaptized dead boys (but not girls), you can read over them to baptize the 12 chapters of the Gospel or the distribution of children forty crosses.
The image of the mermaid is connected simultaneously with water and vegetation, combines features of the water spirits and symbols associated with the cult of fertility (Kostroma, Yarilo), the destruction of which is guaranteed to yield. In Russia and Ukraine, there were mermaid songs that are sung at Whitsun week.
On concepts Urals, shutovki have cursed his wife and maid. They live in the flesh, is invisible from people and will live up to the coming of Christ. Permanent habitation of the water in the company of devils. [3]
] Lifestyle
In some parts of Ukraine, mermaids distinguished field (the same thing as "poludnitsy") and forest ("falyarony" from the troops of the biblical pharaoh who died in the Red Sea). Zelenin writes, "can not be considered definitely Mermaids spirits water or forest or field: mermaids are both here and there, and third." Often see them in ponds, lakes and flowing waters, as they flounder, standing waist-deep in the water, or so that "only a sin not to see" comb and wash her hands [4]
From most of the folk tales, mermaids had no clothes and walked naked and without a hat, but the case would be happy to wear. Clad mermaids often seen in ragged sundresses [3]
The way the mermaids get their clothes, poetically described in the East Slavic songs:
At the gates of birch
Green stood
The branches waving;
At the on birch
Mermaid sitting,
Shirts requested:
"The girls, young married woman,
Give me the shirt:
Although thin-thin,
Yes, white-Belenkaya! "
- DK Zelenin Sketches of Russian mythology.
In connection with the mermaid need, as there was a belief that Dukhovskoi week, when walking in the forest mermaid - naked women and children, with unexpected meeting with them, it is imperative to throw a scarf or something, even the sleeve from the dress to tear if while carrying nothing else will. It was believed that the mermaid steal from fallen asleep without praying women thread, canvas and canvas spread on the grass for Belene, steal clothes and food, anywhere reckless mistress of the situation without prayer, and choose for themselves lovers of men. [3] The desire to dress makes mermaids come at night to the baths, where spinners sometimes left yarn and thread napryast themselves for clothes. "But, obviously, not all of them are trained in this art: the other only obsusolit lobe on the crest obslyunit yes". [5]
Throughout the eastern Slavs, and the Saami, common belief that the water of the beautiful mermaid in the night out of the water, sit on the grass and comb their hair. [6] Believe these are often used by artists and poets, such as Shevchenko (in the poem "recessed"). As crests mermaids use fish bones [3]. To a similar category of water spirits is "shishiga" - naked adult woman, who was sitting on the bank of the water, as often scratching comb her long hair. [7] Saying "damn scratched, and then lost-scratcher" is available in "Proverbs of the Russian people," sobrannyhDalem. In the Chita region in the second half of the XX century was recorded bylichka about a woman whose house was near the river, picked up on the left bank of the mermaid comb. "And every night, that girl did not give sleep volosatiha: knock it out of the window, then at the door." On the advice of an old man, a comb was referred back to the shore, and from that day to come mermaid ceased. [8]
Another distinctive feature of the mermaids is their love for weaving wreaths of flowers, sedges, and tree branches. [9] Marked mermaid who preens, look in the water, as in a mirror.
Belarus has been recorded bylichka, which tells of a mermaid, make a cradle for the baby of a large piece of birch bark. [10]
Among the "range of protein" in the nutrition mermaids people marked fish and crabs, and at night they climb into the barn, where the cows are milked. [11] Often see mermaids of cultivated fields planted with rye and hemp, where they "break the corn." And on the observations in the wild steppes - feed on various grasses and berries. [12] According to the testimony of Galicia, "wild woman loves peas, and it can be in it, on the field or in the garden, often found" [13].
Mermaids also features rapid quick step, such that "a horse can not catch."
Mermaid in the national calendar
According to widespread popular belief, mermaids get into the river in the fall and spend the winter, and at Trinity Semik or go to the land and remain on it for the summer. In this so-called "mermaid week" [14] mermaids run through the fields, swaying trees, can tickle counter to death or capture into the water. With Semik to perfume the day in open water swimming and tried not alone through planted fields did not go. Especially noted Thursday - "rusalichin great day," the day the girl went into the forest, "the mermaid cross." From Tuesday began seeing mermaids, which are often dated to Sunday or the first day of Petrov's post following the mermaid week. [15]
Particularly active as a mermaid on the night of Ivan Kupala 23 to June 24 (from 6 to July 7, new style). [8]
Temper mermaids
In the forest, inhabited by tall trees (oak, lime, etc.) [16], in which love to rock, "In the old days, there was so much of mermaids, they swung from branch to branch in the forests. Not only at night but even in the afternoons "[17], attack people and tickle them to death. In Belarus believed that running around naked mermaids and grimace, and if anyone happens to see them, then he will always ape. [18]
In general, the mermaid - being dangerous and hostile to people of all ages, except for young children who love and, in the event of danger, protect from wild animals sometimes can act as a savior for the drowning. Sometimes throw stones at people. [19]
Imprints of their feet on the bank cleverly hidden, "Traces of these naughty girlfriends are rarely in the wet sand, but this can only be seen from the guard gates: otherwise they search through the sand and smooth down your tracks". [20]
Mermaids have a tendency to specific jokes about what is written in the popular bylichkah: "On the night of Ivan Kupala boys took the horses for the night, kindled a fire, started to warm up, remember that this night go mermaid cut yourself on a good cudgel. Just sat around the fire, and as far from myself saw approaching a nude woman: it was a mermaid. Going up to the fire, she stopped and looked at the guys and went to the river, plunged into the river, came back to the guys was on fire, extinguished the fire and left. Guys again lit a fire. Mermaid again plunged into the river, and came and extinguished the fire again. As was also the third time, the guys met her clubs, and mermaid left "[21]
Sometimes boredom mermaids take over to spend the night on the water a flock of geese and wrap them in the back, as naughty schoolboys, one wing of another, so that the birds can not stretch their wings itself. [22]
According to the description of Pushkin, mermaids scare riders' splashing, laughing and whistling, "[23]. According to popular belief mermaid "tumble, play, are racing games, dances, dancing, laughing," [24]. In a pine forest, there are trees around which the grass is not growing as holding hands is often dancing mermaid, trampling circles. [25] According to the ideas of Russian peasants, mermaids at night under the moon, "which to them is shining brighter than usual," swing on branches, halloo to each other and lead merry round with songs, games and dances. Where they run and frolic there, later, the grass grows thicker and greener, there will be born and bread abundant. [8]
Belarusian mermaid shouting "yy-gu! y-gu! "[25] Smolensk - swinging in the trees with a cry of" religion-religion "or" gutynki-gutenki "[8].
In certain areas of mermaids called "lihopleskami" from what they famously dashing splash or dance. [26] In Kursk province in the past noted superstition that the melodies and rhythms of the songs sung by women, they have overheard singing mermaids.
"Girls and young women do not like a mermaid, and when they see what the forest, attack her, tear clothes and drive off the branches of the forest". [21] On the contrary, with young guys mermaid shamelessly flirting, tickle, try to turn the boats of fishermen, or different ways to lure swimmers to depth.
If a mermaid (one or more) will adhere to the man, then you need to staring into the ground, and they are not looking. From the words of Dmitry Shvarkuna peasant plot was recorded from harassment mermaid "Vodyanitsa, lesovitsa, crazy girl! Lay off, roll back, not in my backyard seem, then you do not live century, and a week to be. Go deep into the river, the aspen high. Aspen was shaking vodyanitsa Uymis. I took the law, the golden cross tsaloval, I do not hobnob with you, not kumitsya. Go into the forest, into the thicket, the forest owner, he is waiting for you, on the moss postelyushku slalom ants carpeted in izgolovitse laid deck, you sleep with him, and I was baptized you can not see ". [27] If the spell did not work, you should prick at least one mermaid needle or pin, which villagers have always been cautious with him, "then the entire Osprey with mermaids cry rushes into the water, where for a long time their voices". [28]
Protect them from the wormwood. Usually when meeting a man mermaid asks: "Wormwood or parsley?" If a traveler says, "Wormwood", mermaid disappointed says, "Forget yes forsake," and disappears. If the answer is the word "parsley", the mermaid happily exclaims, "Oh, you darling!" And tries to tickle poor to death.
] Home mermaid
Zelenin, collector of folklore early XX century, testified that "in Belarus there are cases where a mermaid lives in the house for the working woman," and that they "feed on other people's families," [29].
However, coercion by force do not survive. By bylichke peasant Agafea Antonova from Belarus Given evidence elderly in her village had once brought two captured mermaids, "And do not say anything, just cry and cry, river flows, as long as released. What was released - then sang, played, but in the forest ". [30]
In the Smolensk region in the XIX-XX centuries was recorded next bylichka:
My great-grandfather went to once a week, mermaid forest Lucky tear, it was attacked there mermaids, and he quickly became a cross inscribed on the cross. After that, all mermaids departed from him, only one is still pestered. My great-grandfather grabbed the mermaid's arm and dragged him into the circle, quickly attacked her cross hanging from his neck. Then mermaid in to him, then he took her home. Mermaid-grandfather lived in my whole year, willingly performed all women work, but as a mermaid come next week, the mermaid again ran into the woods. Caught mermaids, talk, eat less - eat more steam and will soon disappear.
- All year round. Russian agricultural calendar. -
Reports of mermaids
In these or other sources for a long time there were reports of a meeting with mermaids or similar creatures prepodnosyaschiesya as true stories.
XII century
In the Icelandic annals Speculum Regale (XII century), there is mention of a monster "margigr" that lives off the coast of Greenland. By the description of a typical mermaid - to the waist looks like a woman with long arms and soft hair, from the waist down in her fish tail, fins and scales. [31] [32]
In a British record, there is mention of the "Mariner" ugly appearance, caught in 1187 on the coast of Suffolk. [31]
XV century
The story of the spent some time on land mermaid. It is reported that at the beginning of XV century in Holland storm destroyed the dam and the sea flooded the land. Local residents found stuck in shallow water nymph and took her to him. They taught her to wear clothes, eat human food, knitting, cross bow, but failed to learn to speak. Mermaid lived on the land for fifteen years. When she died, she was buried in the Christian tradition. [31] [32] This story is retold in the book Sigaud Fonds de la (Fr. Sigaud de la Fond) «Wonders of nature, or a collection of unusual and worthy of note events and adventures in the whole world bodies , the order of the Alphabet. "[citation needed 692 days]
Christopher Columbus during his first voyage (1492-1493) wrote that he had seen off the coast of Guiana three mermaids. [32]
XVII century
In the ship's log, Henry Hudson, which he led, sailing off the coast of the New World, there is a record of what the two sailors, Thomas Hills and Robert Raynar iyunya1608 15 years have seen a mermaid. They informed the captain that the navel up her chest and back were as a woman, she had a very white skin and long black hair, and her tail was like a dolphin's tail. [31] [32]
British Navy Captain Richard Uitburn wrote in his memoirs that in 1610, for the first time met a strange creature in the harbor of St. John's in Newfoundland. Beings have proportional and beautiful female face on his head were many blue stripes, similar to the hair. The upper part of the creature was a human, a lower Uitburn seen. Being behaved quite amiably. When it tried to get into a boat to the sailors, he was hit on the head with a paddle, since it is to watch people from a distance. [31]
There is a legend about the case of Francisco Vega Casar, allegedly lived in Lierganese (Cantabria), and shows the ability of a child to swim better than others. In 1674 he was in the bath was carried strong sea currents and disappeared. In February 1679 near the bay of Cadiz fishermen caught a humanoid that was observed for several days in water. The creature looked like a tall young man with pale skin and red hair. He had on the scales along the back and along the belly. Between the fingers was brown membrane. It was noted that he roared and roared, twelve people were required to hold it. Three weeks of being struck in the Franciscan monastery, where it produced over the rite of exorcism. In January 1680 he was taken in Cantabria, where the mother of the missing, Francisco and his brothers admitted to being his son and brother. When he lived in the village, we ate raw meat or fish, hardly spoke. In 1682, fled back into the sea. [33]
In 1682, near the town of Sestri (Italy) was caught by a "sea people". "He lived only a few days of crying and uttering plaintive cries, and all this time did not eat or drink". [31]
XVIII century
In a certain edition of 1717 was shown a creature that looked like a mermaid, which is written, that it was caught on the coast of Borneo, in the District of Amboyna. At length the creature was 1.5 meters, "physique like an eel." Lived on the land a little more than four days in a barrel of water, refusing to eat. Periodically publish a squeaking sound. [32]


XIX century



After a few

Silk

Shélki (Sélki, Eng. Selkie) - mythical creature of Scottish and Irish folklore (in Ireland they are called roany), sea people, people-seals.
Resemble humanoid seal with brown eyes. Seal skins allow them to live in the sea, but they sometimes have surfaced for air. According to some sources, the silk - the descendants of people who were driven into the sea for their crimes. That is why they are so drawn to the land. Are out of the water once in nine nights. When out of the water, throwing off the sealskin and take human form. If a guy or girl finds discarded silk skin, it can lead to marriage silk. The children of such marriages are born with webbed toes and has healing powers. But such a marriage, as in the case with mermaids, often lasts a very short time.
Girls silk often also looking for a partner for sexual relations among people. If a young person will find a red hat on the beach, it means that they are interested in silk. If he accepts the offer, it should go on the next day at sunset to the shore, where he will be silk.
Silk is presented as loving and good creatures, but they can avenge the insult, causing storms turning fishing boats.
Silk can be called, sitting on a rock at night by the water and dropped into the water seven tears.
Roany much like silk, but they differ a great fondness for peace and timidity.

Tale has it that a fisherman walking along the beach when he heard laughter. He crept closer and saw bathing in the sea of ​​young people. Nearby on the sand lay sealskin. The fisherman pulled one of them.
When everyone else spread to seals and floated on the bank there was one pretty girl. She begged the fisherman to give the skin, but he fell in love with a girl at first sight, and took her as his wife.
They moved in together and were happy, but the fisherman's wife if something oppressive: it sometimes wistfully looked at the sea. One younger daughter asked her what is in the stone barn - a silvery, with brown stripes. The woman ran to the barn, grabbed the skin and headed out to sea. When she sailed from the coast, to meet her, got the boat in which sat a fisherman. He looked at the seal, and found his wife's eyes, but it was too late.

Rugaru

Rugaru, Lugar (French Loup-garou (werewolf), [1] options: Rougarou, Roux-Ga-Roux, Rugaroo, Rugaru) - a kind of folklore werewolves, which is a man with a wolf's head, or "hybrid" of a person with a dog, a pig , cows or chickens (usually white).
Rugaru is part of the folklore of Francophone settlers in Louisiana. Among the versions of the legend are the most common are:
• Rugaru are those who sold his soul to the devil.
• Rugaru pursues naughty children. Or Catholics break the fast (one of the versions, the man seven years not to fast is rugaru).
• Rugaru cursed at 101 days. After this period, the curse is moved to a person whose blood rugaru drunk. At the same day the creature looks like a man, and although behaving weird, trying to hide his condition.
• To kill rugaru enough to stab him with a knife, shoot or burn. But there is a way to save him from this curse - in some versions of the legend, rugaru turns back into a human, if shed his blood. However, in a more somber version of the legend, bled rugaru a year kills.
Rugaru are transformed as werewolves - the body is not transformed, as it were turned inside out, quickly, without any physical discomfort and pain. In human form Rugaru keeps an animal essence, that is easy to outbursts of anger and kept at a distance from the people, although much depends on the character. When Rugaru in animal form, inside it is a man, he keeps the human mind and can control the animal desires, as a result do not "lose his head"

Troll

Troll (Swedish Troll - charm, magic) - a supernatural creature from Norse mythology - a dwarf, a giant, a witch. In computer games trolls are mountain spirits associated with the stone, usually hostile to man. Trolls often appear in fantasy literature, usually mixed with images of ogres and mountainous giants. [1]
Trolls in Mythology
Legends of trolls originated in Scandinavia. According to legend, they scare the locals with its size and witchcraft. According to other legends trolls lived in castles and underground palaces. In the north of Britain, there are a few large rocks, of which there are legends - as if this is a troll, caught the sunlight. In mythology, trolls are not only huge giants like ogres, but small, gnomish creatures usually live in caves (such trolls commonly called forest). Details of the image in the folklore of trolls are highly dependent on the ethnic group. Sometimes they are described variously even in the same legend. Most often trolls - ugly creatures, from three to eight feet tall (sometimes can change their size), almost always attribute appearance troll in images is a very big nose. Have the nature of a stone (born out of the rock), turning to stone in the sun. Eat meat. Often people eat. Live one in caves, woods or under bridges. Trolls under bridges are somewhat different from the usual. In particular, it may appear on the sun, do not eat people, they respect money, greedy for human women (do not see them as food). There are legends about children trolls and human women.
Norway
Carved wooden statues of trolls - the favorite object of handicrafts. The word "troll" is often associated sneftyanymi fields in the North Sea, one of them is called - "Troll" - "Magic." But more to the "troll" is associated, of course, the formation of mountains and rocks, about which people say is the trolls turned to stone, for example: Trolltindy (Magic Truth) Trollholm (Fairy Hill), Trollheimen, Jotunheim and many others. In Norway, there are other place names associated with the trolls, in this case - to the level of evil spirits: Trollvey ("Troll Road"), Trollbotn ("valley of trolls") Trollvann ("lake trolls").
According to the Norwegian tradition, you can see the troll in the deep woods or in the mountains. Troll-looking like a mountain or a giant boulder, covered with moss and heather, and sometimes trees. In Norwegian troll can be one, three, five, six, seven, nine or more goals.
The ancestors of the trolls, in the view of Norwegians are velikany-yotuny/etuny (Norwegian jotun, plural jotner), who stood at the cradle of education in the world. The name "Jotun" in the late folk tradition preserved as "yutul" (Norwegian jutul, jøtul). There is also the Old Norse name "rice" (Norwegian rise). In any case, the word "troll" has become a generic term mining giant, and sometimes refer to the whole evil. Moreover Norse word "magic, witchcraft" also has a root "troll" - "trollskap» (trollskap).
According to legend, the giants were at war with the gods and men. Talk about them, that they are fierce fierce and stubborn. The most famous fighter of Jotun - god Thor. He defeated them with his hammer Mjolnir famous for its courage and cunning. However, there is mention in mythology and how Jotun and asyvlyublyalis each other. In the later folk tradition called gyugrami giantesses.
With the Christianization of Norway, the trolls have a new enemy - St. Olav. Olav had a special gift: he could control the mountains and rocks, was able to pay the troll to stone. Subsequently, the Giants were trying to fight and with churches.
There are stories that the trolls sometimes appear among men in human form. Usually a person can not immediately guess, with whom he was dealing. However, we recommend that, if he became suspicious in any case should not reap a stranger's hand. They can also take the shape of a dog, a black goat or a friendly person with a tail. The main thing - to know how to handle them. First, keep the secret of his name. Do not take on the troll treats and run away so that your tracks formed a cross with a plow furrows in the plowed field. If you met in the valley invite you to follow the troll to light: he okameneet with the appearance of the sun.
Trolls are often kidnapped people. However, the folk tradition provides several ways to protect yourself from trolls or oppose them. First of all, it is, of course, the Christian cross, the sound of church bells and everything else that is associated with the Christian religion. If one were to release a prisoner from the mountains of Troll, then had to ring the bells. If the church has been so far, that is not up to the mountains came the ringing of bells, the bell brought to the mountain and called there.
They say that is not always troll harm to humans, he is kind and serves as a welcoming host. It happens that helps a person to troll, but man - the troll.
As the world changed so much, the trolls have no place in it, but still in the form of high mountains and forested hills, watching them, all is in order in their domains. Perhaps tired of the fuss, they decided to retire and go to the beautiful castle troll Soria-Moria ...
(There trolls. Who's Who in the Norwegian folklore)
Sweden
In Sweden there are trolls myths of both sexes. Their height is 5-8 m, and sometimes higher. Swedish trolls necessarily cause harm, one of the legends associated with the trolls, is a legend of the children with the changeling. According to this legend, trolls steal babies and replace them with their babies. Swedes are building toy "troll houses", is very similar to the present home.
Iceland
Iceland was colonized by Norwegian Vikings, so the folklore here is similar. Icelandic trolls are also "creatures of stone," and many of the details of the landscape are named after trolls.
Troll under the bridge
There are frequent legend of trolls who live under bridges or the bridges built. Trolls usually charge for crossing the bridge with money or service. In some embodiments, the legends connected with the life of the troll bridge. Troll or involved in construction of a bridge or appears immediately after it was built, and the destruction of a bridge troll dies. But there is a perception that the trolls can sometimes leave the old bridge to begin construction of a new one.

Elves

Elves (German elf - English. Elf) - magical people in Germany and the Scandinavian and Celtic folklore. Also known as Alva (álfr - Scand.), Seeds (sidhe - IE etc..).
Description of the elves in various mythologies are different, but, as a rule, it is beautiful, light beings, spirits of the forest, friendly person. They are permanent characters and fantastic fiction, especially fantasy, along with gnomes, goblins and trolls.
There is a widespread belief that the elves and fairies - are one and the same, but they can be both one and the same or different entities. Despite the frequent similarity of description, traditional Celtic "elves» - sidhe, for example, could represent the winged, unlike the fairies, who in Celtic sagas are not much different from ordinary people. In English, the word was borrowed into fairy XII-XV centuries from the Old French «faerie» (modern spelling - feerie, fee), a descriptive cover everything that somehow came to the place of residence and work mythological "little people» (faie; later - fee ). The source of the French term is Latin fata (guardian spirit, hence the same - Italian fata, Spanish hada). Fata, are used in the feminine gender in the Romance languages, was originally neuter plural («fates») was derived from fatum («predicted", "prophetic"). In England, it was the age-old idea of ​​"elf", "fairy" is severofrantsuzskogo folklore of Normandy came here only after the conquest of William [1].
In Norse mythology, there are two types of Alva: upper (light) and lower (dark or svartalvy), and the last in the "Edda" pays much more attention. They are beings who live underground and have dark skin. They have repeatedly created for the gods magical things. In later folklore, the image merged with the gnomes.
In William Shakespeare's elves - a small air winged creatures resembling elves not English folklore, but rather small and pixie-winged babies. This playfully emphasized Tolkien [2], who considered her a map of mythical races more appropriate German, Celtic and even European folklore in general.


Etymology
In the Germanic languages, there is a group of similar «elf» words Danish name «elv», Anglo-Saxon «aelf», Swedish «alv», Norwegian «alv» and Icelandic «alf-ur», which means a single root, and therefore - representations of the past unity of elves among the ancestors of all modern Germanic peoples. The very same origin as the German word "elf" is much more difficult to understand, and it is hardly possible at all. Some researchers have linked the word with Roman roots "album" - "white", there is also an opinion [3], that it comes from the Welsh or Irish «ellyl» / «aillil» - «shining", ascending to the Sumerian «ellu» - too "shining." Indeed, the elves of the early legends featured glow emanating from them, as an example, see the Anglo-Saxon word «ælf-sciene» [4] and the Shining folk legends in the English text of Scottish Clan MacLeod. [5] In the same row Sanskrit name Ribhu (Sanskrit ऋभु, ṛbhú IAST, «skilled") or Ribhukshany - vindiyskoy mythology that represents the lower class of deities, causing fertility and wealth, which means "cunning, clever, resourceful, intelligent," [6], there point of view, exalts ṛbhú IAST to the same root, from which the English elf «elf" [7], Lat. albus (white) [8], etc.-sitting. alfR [9] (alpha, Elf or Dwarf dwarf), OE. ælf (pl. ylfe) (Elf) and possibly arm. աղաւնի (dove) and alawunk '(Pleiades) [10] [11].
Alva in Ed

Alva - essentially the same word "elves", but the pronunciation of some of the German and Scandinavian languages.
In the "Elder Edda" opposed higher gods - aces. In Germanic mythology, the origin of the elves is closely connected with the history of the universe, and distinguishes between two main "discharge" elves: Alpha - white, bright, kind elves and dvergi - dark and gloomy, the cunning dwarfs (most likely it's just another name dwarfs). However, perhaps it was Alva divided into light and dark, and dark and are called dwarfs. This difference turned out because of the word "Alva", one from him and then there was the word "elves." According to the "Prose Edda," Alva and dwarfs were born in the flesh of Ymir, like worms, but by the will of the gods accepted a part of the human mind and the external appearance of the people. However, the "Edda" tells about the appearance of dwarfs differently. It says that the gods created the two dwarfs "Brimir from blood, bone Blaina," and the other fashioned from clay. Although, this is not surprising when you consider that Brimir and Blain - just different names Ymir.
Alva - spirits of nature. They live in their own country Alvheyme. They shape their beautiful sun. Government Alva god-smith Volund. They are "light elves."
Dvergi or dwarfs - underground dwarfs, skilled blacksmiths. They live underground and are afraid of the light, the sun's rays turn them into stone. They are not big in stature, but very strong. Their appearance little is known, except that they are small in stature and portend trouble. According to some sources, the dvergov feet seven fingers. They kidnap animals and children, as well as much to small tricks. They are "dark elves." From them came so popular in modern English literature gnomes. They entrusted the earth, because almost everywhere dvergov were considered most skilled blacksmith who can forge the most flexible and rigid steel or manufacture of gold and silver are small things that are barely able to distinguish the human eye. In the Middle Ages believed firmly in the origin of the good swords and coats of mail from dwarfs. There are many different stories about how they gave people the works of their forges. These gifts have always had what some special properties. But the trouble is, if these gifts there were displaced: dwarfs, in revenge, always managed to give them such a nature that got them in his lifetime could not forgive himself for violence made artful blacksmith sorcerer.
Here is an ancient Norse legend of such cunning and vengeful dwarf dvergah.
"Suafarlami, one of the descendants of Odin, was once on the hunt. He wandered through the woods and could not get on the trail of some animal, and finally he came into this wilderness, from which did not know how, and to get out. To his right was a hill. Looking at him, I saw Suafarlami sitting before the hill two dwarfs then pulled out his heavy sword, he stood between them and the hill and blocked their way way home.
Midgets begged for mercy, asking him for his life and freedom to buy whatever. Suafarlami released them only on condition that they had forged his sword, who would not let us never miss, being cut down to steel and iron, as a rake, never rust and always brought in battles and fights to win, in whose hands. Midgets promised to forge a sword, and appointed a day in which Suafarlami had to come after him. When he arrived on the appointed day, the dwarves had given him from the hill wonderful magic sword in a silver sheath, with a gold chain handle and on which it was necessary to append. - Here's a promise - they said Suafarlami - but know that this sword will kill the person each time, as will be exposed, that through it will be three shamefully committed fratricide, and you yourself will be killed by them. And so was fulfilled exactly as predicted dwarfs. As soon as he drew his sword to look at him, he stabbed his brother in the chest, which is also bent to see it. And then once again, taking the sword Suafarlami tripped and fell on him, himself stabbed to death. "
Celts dwarfs counterfeiters, say that the magic bag which is always tied to their belts, always full of gold coins, and even if someone can acquire such a treasure, that to the end of his days will be rich.
Tuatha Celts
In times of great antiquity in Ireland appeared Tuatha de Danna (tribes or the children of the goddess Danu Danu). They hid their magic land in dense fog and reigned supreme island, fighting with other tribes and demons Fomhoire, sailed across the sea.
Subsequently, the Tuatha de Danna lost power over Ireland Milesi (sons of Mil.) Milesi made with the Tuatha contract in which Milesi get possession of the island, and the children can stay in Dan Ireland, but do not live on the surface and inside the hills, called sidami. Hence the new name De Danann - seeds (Sídhe) or Shih (Shee).
Particle "shi" in the names of supernatural beings almost always indicates that it is a creature of German or Celtic mythology. For example: baavan shek banshee; dini shek kite shek cipher, etc.
The image of the oxides is almost identical to the modern concepts of elves that have arisen due to the modern and classical literature.
Seeds are tall and beautiful face. However, one of their touch is enough to drive a person crazy coals oxides, impregnated with poison-tipped, killed on the spot. Government sidami Queen Medb - beautiful woman with blue eyes and long blond hair. Those who happen to see it die out of love and longing. If Sidamo not bother, they will not pay the slightest attention to the people. They have their own lives, their worries - they graze their cattle wonderful, dancing, sipping whiskey and playing music. Especially watch out for seeding should be on Halloween (October 31) - the ancient pagan festival of the Celts, the beginning of the new year. It is believed that at the time seeds are moving from one hill to another. It is often tempting seeds and carry away the mortal men (knights, warriors and princes). In the Irish saga "The disappearance Kondly Beautiful, son of Konda Hundred Battles" tells the girl of seeding long seduced a young man. She said to him:
"-I went out of the country alive, out of the country, where there is no death, no misery. There we have an uninterrupted feast lasts, which is not necessary to cook. In the big Side we inhabit, and therefore we zovemsya tribe seeding.
Come with me, my beloved. Gold crown cover your face purple to honor your regal look. Wish only - and never fade Neither youth nor beauty of your features, captivating to the end of the century. " Double druids could dispel enchantment seeding, but the third time, when she sang "Long draws you sweet desire with me for a wave you want to be carried away. If you come into my glass boat, we reach the kingdom triumphantly. There is a country that is far, Mila is the one who will find it. Though, I see, so the sun sets. We have it, distant, reach into the night. "
The young man jumped into the glass boat and sailed away with the girl, and most of its people are met.

Elves in English folklore
The British, as opposed to residents Scandinavia and Germany, do not share the elves in "light" and "dark." Elves are seen more in the way of the English fairy - not evil, but not good creatures, with their eccentricities, passions and vices.
In some counties of England, people believe in more or less good, though mischievous elves. In others - the cruel, evil and ugly men, also called elves. They are likely to be marked by one word - pixie (pixie).
Elves have one particularly nasty flaw: it is their passion for theft. Still let them be amused by the fact that the field would be fleeced with peas but emptied barrels of beer, or climbing into the cellar, pulled through a straw dear old wine!
But no - they are not content with this, their theft usually takes a much more important and dangerous nature: they are constantly trying to take off into the hills bride immediately after the wedding and take infants to the baptism. In place of the stolen babies are placed in the cradle of some of their monsters that torment all around obnoxious shouting, anger and whims.
These traits elves especially aroused the indignation of people against them, and there are many different legends about such antics Hillman. All such legends as well as the beliefs that led them to the base, a very ancient and so much ingrained that villagers still in Sweden and Germany are very hostile look at the lame, hunchbacked and sickly children, calling them usually foundlings elves.
Here are some typical English fairy tales of elves:
"One mother claimed the child Elves, at least, she could not help it as a pop, explain the fact that its healthy, red-cheeked baby in one night pale, thin and changed color and character: first a quiet and gentle, he now constantly crying, screaming and tantrums. Poor mother begged for help from various smart and experienced people. Some advised her to throw the baby straight into the deep snow, the other - to grab his nose red-hot pincers, and others - leave it overnight in a big way, so as to arouse in fairies compassion for their fellow man, and, therefore, be forced to return this baby.
Mother firmly could not agree with them, because it was worried thought: "What if it's not a foundling, and really my child, only spoiled by someone's evil eye?"
Finally, an old woman took pity on her and said:
- First of all, you need to know, perhaps, a foundling whether it is or not. And to find that out, you take half a dozen eggs, break them in half shell, put the child in the center and pour water in them. What happens, she'll see. Only look, prepare in advance tempered pliers to get a good scare elf, if the child will be a changeling.
The mother took the old woman's advice, and immediately on arrival home, put it in the oven tongs kalitsya and began breaking eggs before the hearth. Seeing this, the child suddenly sat up, stopped and began to look closely at his mother.
When she laid on the hearth eggshells and filled with water, the child suddenly turned to her and said (although the two-month general, children do not speak a word):
- What are you, a mother doing?
Mother shuddered to hear this, but how can casually replied:
- You, I think he can see what I'm doing: the water boil.
- How? - Continued imaginary child with growing astonishment. - The egg shell to boiling water?
- Well, yes, - answered his mother, looking into the oven to see if ready tongs.
- May God have mercy - elf cried, clasping her hands, - I now live 1,500 years, the world, and never have seen anything like it!
Here mother grabbed a red glow from the stove and curling with rage rushed to the foundling, but he quickly jumped out of the crib, jumped to the stove and took off into the pipe.
When the mother ran to the cradle with red-hot pincers, they have it suddenly dropped out of hand: in bed, in place of the ugly elf lay her precious little girl, a little hand tucked under his head, and the other clutching to his breast, which rose slightly lighter and even breathing. Who give joy a mother? "
"Once upon a husband and wife. Elves have taken their child that baptisms have been slowed by some household chores, and slipped them instead of their own child (foundling). This ugly, thin and, apparently, frail child terribly tortured and his father, and mother, until someone was in the room, he roared all day and tossed in a cradle, and a little just all came out of the room, as he jumped out of the cradle on the floor and began to climb the wall, jump up and dance: he ate enough for four, and never seems to not been fed.

Parents soon decided that it must necessarily be a foundling, and put rid of it, come what may. On the advice of an experienced healer, a mother is how set to work. Took the pig, and stabbed him in the pudding baked with bristles, hides, hooves and head.
When asked for an imaginary child she has, she immediately gave him a strange dish. He set about it with his usual eagerness, but chewing a few minutes to think about, looked with amazement at the pudding and suddenly said:
- That's strange! I served meat with skin and stubble, with hooves, eyes! Ha! Ha! Ha! Yes I do as much as I live in the world! Already after three times seen it develop young wood, but of such meat, and not heard!
However, he jumped out of the cage and disappeared, and the elves returned to their parents shrewdness of this child. "
In England, called the "lock of the elf 'tuft of tangled hair, believing that it is a leprosy elves. In an Anglo-Saxon conspiracy, relating to, by all accounts, to the era of paganism, he is credited with an insidious habit of throwing from a distance tiny iron arrows that pierce the skin without leaving a trace, and cause sudden painful cramps.
In Ireland, believe in the "big", human-elves there called the Tuatha De Danann (other sources say the title of one of the highest klassovfeyri) or oxides, as well as in small-winged elves fairies (as the English, the Irish call them fairy - under the same word they mean and fairies).
Elves in Danish folklore
In Denmark, the word "elf" means being the legend of which are widespread throughout northern Europe and they are called Skog, or forest spirits or Ella. Describe their similar - men are like old men in wide-brimmed hats, and the women are young and beautiful, but a green dress they hide oxtails (as men-Elle), and if by chance to see a woman, Ella behind, you can see that the back and neck have it - hollow.
] Elves in Swedish folklore
While legends about elves are not too common in Sweden, their folklore includes a large number of stories and legends of fairies and all sorts of mysterious creatures that live in the forest. It is believed that the forest spirits referred to in the old Swedish tradition, this wood elves or otherwise - forest people.
In pagan times, people believed that a particularly powerful and sprawling trees inhabit the forest elf. Aura of sanctity surrounding pagan groves and trees derives from the ancient custom make sacrifices in the trees. Perhaps the idea of ​​habitable tree was borrowed from Greco-Roman culture.
In Sweden, as in all the Nordic countries, there is a story about magical creatures with hollow backs, live in forests. Swedes call them Virus. Skog probably not among the evil spirits, but people preferred not to meet with them, and for what they took with them into the woods with metal objects. Version that supernatural beings are afraid of iron, are also widely distributed in Europe.
In Sweden, you can still see the so-called altars elf (elf-altars), which in pagan times the ritual and sacrifice. Some of these rites were performed and after the adoption of Christianity.
Often there are stories about the "witches' rings": it is believed that in these places elves or wood spirits at night, play around them. There are many legends in different people (mostly Scots, Irish and Swedish) about the elves offered mortals (usually a knight) to join their dance and take part in the dance. In this case, if the person refuses, vengeful elves sent his terrible illness and misfortune. And if you agree, then in the morning, when the magic elves scattered, man found dead in the center of the witch circle. Roger Zelazny in his epic novel "The Chronicles of Amber" used and adapted an ancient Celtic myth of the Witch ring:
"I was told that it happened in the far west - there was a small circle of toadstools. Inside, they found him dead girl. Place announced damned. Circle began to grow rapidly and in a few months was in the whole league. Inside the ring, the grass was darkened and shiny, like metal, but not destroyed. Trees shriveled, their leaves faded. They rattled, even when there was no wind, and bats danced and darted between them. At dusk, there roamed strange shadows - but always within the circle, and some lights, like little fires burning there at night. "
Interestingly, in some Swedish traditions elves divided into three groups, belonging, respectively, the elements of earth, air and water. Wood elf in this case refers to the element of earth. Also in Sweden spread tales of mountain narodtsem. Of these creatures, little is known (despite the abundance of tales and stories): mountain narodtsem called and elves and dwarves and trolls even sometimes, just like Norway.
Elves in Norwegian folklore
In Norway, the common legends and tales of various lower mythical creature called a word - tussery. Under this heading may be involved elves, dwarves, vettiry ("underground narodec", another name dwarfs) huldra (a beautiful woman with a cow's tail, which she hides from people), trolls or Nisse (similar house). Norwegian feature presentation of this supernatural people is that, according to their beliefs, tussery, like people, build houses and churches, and care of the animals and live villages.
Polish researcher Wojciech Gorceac noted: [12].
"It should be noted that the elves in Norse mythology, the gods are the same as the indigenous inhabitants of Scandinavia. Name of elves is vague, because it determines the deity, and a host of magical creatures. A common feature of all the elves - their beauty and presence of magical abilities. It was believed that their "headquarters" - Alvheym - located in the northern part of Sweden, to the south-east of Oslo, north of Gothenburg, and mezhdurecheKlaryalvena Glomma (Swedish Raumelfr). These creatures are an important part of the mythological Norse culture "
Elves in modern culture
Elves are deeply rooted in the European tradition. The word "elf", in fact, is a kind of generalization - forest spirits called elves, fairies (fairies), dwarves, and even trolls.
Funny creatures, accompanying Santa Claus and help him deliver Christmas gifts called elves.
An interesting way of elves in Shakespeare. Also about elves mentioned in Goethe ("Faust"). Elves are present in proizvedeniyahRedyarda Kipling ("Pak with Hills", 1906), Lord Dunsany ("Daughter of the King of Elves," 1924), John R. R. Tolkien ("Lord of the Rings", 1954), Andrzej Sapkowski (Cycle "The Witcher" 1990-1998)
Differences images of elves in the works of William Shakespeare and John Tolkien explains that Shakespeare included in his works the characters English folklore and folk tales, while Tolkien in his novels have used the material taken from the "Edda" and other German legends.
In fantasy literature, dark elves have a "second birth." Tolkien in "The Silmarillion" described as the evil opposite of orcs elves and their evil perverted version, with black skin and a fear of the sun. The concept of "dark elves" ("morikvendi") Tolkien, however, does not apply to them and to the tribe of elves who had not seen the light of the tree and does not happen in Valinor.
A number of writers and the role of systems developers, in their work output of the dark elves as a separate species races of elves, often referring to the "division" of the two peoples, common in ancient times. The most famous image of the modern dark elves are the drow of the role system of Dungeons & Dragons, which absorbed many of the features as the mythical svartalvov (dark skin, life under the ground), and Tolkien's Orcs (vicious, black leather, fear of light).
Under the influence of time, myths about elves, their appearance and habits change. Their original appearance and purpose lost, since the roots of the myths about elves go into the pagan period. Now the image of the elves and their role in literary works is up to the author and his view on this magical people.
The real "little people"
Howard Lenhof the University of California suggested that the legend of the elves have a real prototype in people suffering from "Williams Syndrome" - genetic disorder arising in the loss of 20 specific genes in the seventh chromosome. The syndrome was first documented in 1961 in New Zealand, and the statistics account for one of 20,000 newborns. People with such rejection, in addition to problems with the cardiovascular system and mental disabilities, marked short stature, children face special features of lips, nose and eyes. Similarity to the "fairy" is enhanced by the inherent of distinctive character. Patients with Williams syndrome have a tenderness and sensitivity to the people around them are good musicians and storytellers, have amazingly clear voice. [13]

Brownie

Brownie - in the spirit of the Slavic peoples home, the mythological home owner and promoter for normal family life, human and animal health and fertility.
Character brownie
It differs from the demons that does evil, but only joking sometimes even provide services, if you like the host or hostess. Before his death, someone from the family wailing, sometimes even showing someone knocks, slamming doors, etc. The general belief, he lived winters on the stove or in the oven, and if the owner has a horse stable, then put the horses . If a horse like him, the house cares for her braids the mane and tail, giving her food, making dobreet horse, and on the contrary, when he was not like an animal, then it torments him and often spikes to death, inciting a nursery, etc. From this opinion many owners buy horses that suit, which the court, that is loved by the houses.
If you love house home, he warned about the misfortune, watches the house and yard, in the contrary case, it beats and batters dishes, shouting, stomping, etc. The one who loves, curl hair in braids and beards, and who does not like to night nips to bruises. For these bruises judge any trouble, especially if bruised badly hurt. Also bore down during the night to sleep and presses it, so at this time, we can not move or say a word (see Sleep paralysis). Usually this attack bore down on him who sleeps on his back, this time asking, for better or worse, a house meets a gloomy voice - "yes" or "no."
It is believed that he does not like mirrors, as goats, as well as those who sleep near the threshold or below the threshold. Sometimes they hear it, sitting on the master's place, doing the work of the master, while none of this is not visible. In the common people to the house-hold in esteem, so that little man is afraid of him something to offend and even shuns say his name without a purpose. In conversations do not call it houses, and "grandfather, the owner, or by the Greatest."
When you move from one house to the other non-transferable duty said last night, before leaving the old house, with bread and salt brownie request to the new location. Each farm, in their opinion, is influenced by the houses. They say that the house does not like lazy. If the house owner will not love, he begins by leprosy, in this case before the threshold of the house buried in the earth skull or head of the goat, and if it is expressed in the self-ignition of leprosy subjects, bad graffiti and things like that, then it should show the house- who is the boss. It should be taken in hand with an iron tip pugu (whip) or strap passing over the house and quilting furniture, walls, floors and things and impose powerful and strong voice:
Know your place, know your place.
You have a house keeper house, farm valued,
Yes mistress to please, not to fight,
Know your place, know your place.
Words can say all, the main thing they were pronounced master of the house.
It is thought that little old house is born and dies a baby. Family house-spirits: dummy (maybe even his wife), swab, Bean (aka "ovinnik") field.
According ESBE in the northern areas of the province Olonets spirit hearth called Zhiharko. He has short, tousled, with a long beard, a very good-natured, friendly and a great joker.
Most often houses gives information very elderly person in the family. These may be dreams, prophecies, signs, hints, knocks, any images, seen with averted vision. Visible brownie addicts and small children: Barabashka, for example, sometimes even playing with the child and respond to his questions.
The houses there are enemies - is dead hostage, demons [citation 19 days].
Brownies
Brownies - the only representatives of evil forces who are not afraid of the Holy image. Therefore, they can easily live in the homes of believers. Brownie easily offended calling it "a representative of evil spirits." There is a legend, according to which, when the Lord God banished from Heaven Lucifer and his followers, those directly sent to hell. But not everyone got there ... Those of them who had been heavily burdened by sin, fell into the center of the underworld, who are less - closer to the surface. Thus, evil is represented everywhere. As for the appearance of house, all the same legend tells of some "spirits" who repent of their sins before the expulsion, but has not been forgiven by God. This means that the houses are not afraid of the icons, but they are "a burden" for a constant reminder of punishment - to live with a person and help him. Forgiveness comes in when the house for 70 years, helped in every possible way the owner of the home. Then the house (the spirit) is able to get into the kingdom of God. But the dark side of the soul prevents brownie be over seventy years old assistant, so long live the people. There are houses that are always harmful. They are called Sinister. They are "exasperated" by all the people, each in their cause. Some of Sinister believe people unworthy to serve him (but have to do it), others - for many grievances. Ill the house where evil individuals live. In ancient times believed that every home should house if the house is new - "Welcome." Brownies help around the house, keep the property, often recount it (it's good to beat in cartoons domovenka Kuzyu), like livestock, especially horses. Brownies protect the house from thieves, fire and the other evil spirits.
To summon a brownie known many ways, for example:
• Leave at midnight, the full moon on the street with a left shoe, attached to a rope and pull him away. In no case can not look back. Once you feel "burden", which means that house to dwell with you.
• More than bloodthirsty, but the most effective. We need to take a live rooster (preferably black) and beheaded him in the house, sprinkle the floor with blood. It is believed that if the district wanders lonely house, he immediately takes this "sign."
The growth of small brownie. About one meter. Luxuriant hair, blond. Red beard. The house he had no hat. Checkered shirt with a predominance of orange tones. Without a belt or sash. Brownie loves all orange. Well this is shown in the movie "Brownie". Brownie does not like to bring home feather. May then express clear dissatisfaction until whipping glass in the windows.
Modern views
• Since then, as in the homes longer to put the oven, for which, according to popular belief, and lived house, his place of residence to move past the radiator [citation 1298 days].
• In the early 90's the notion of "Barabashka." By all indications, actions Barabashka consistent allegations of irate houses.

Kobold

Kobold - good-natured house in the mythology of Northern Europe. However, in response to the neglect of the house could arrange chaos and disorder. In Germanic mythology Kobold - a special kind of elves or Alva.
Kobolds called mainly spirits home, about the appropriate Russian houses, sometimes the same name is applied to the mountain spirits. Kobold attributed banter over the people, they are constantly tinkering and noise. They are described as a dwarf, usually ugly, the color of the fire in the hearth - a bright red. Kobold name means "lord of the premises» (Kobe, where novoverhnenemetskoe Kofen - room, bathroom, cabin), so the kobolds are identical to the Anglo-Saxon cofgodas (household idols).
Miners were also called "kobolds" spirits that inhabit the mine. It was believed that the underground kobolds bring misfortune, can cause damage and ore occurrence in it of impurities (chemical name cobalt comes from the word "Kobold").
The sailors of the North Sea and the Baltic sea believed in a kind of kobolds that live on ships - klabautermanov.
In modern popular culture kobold often portrayed as an underground resident with gray skin. Often odarivayutkopytami, legs, like a goat, but no coat, a long face. There are individuals who have small horns and fangs. Are often the enemies of gnomes. Kobold sometimes credited fear of the sun.
Kobolds are mentioned in the novel by Victor Hugo, "Les Miserables." Part 4. Book 2. Chapter 3. "Vision father Mabefa": "... When Mabef straightened, there was no one, the girl disappeared ....". "-In fact, it is very similar to something that tells Ryuboder of kobolds. Was not it kobold? ..."
Communication with cobalt
During roasting of arsenic-containing cobalt minerals emit volatile poisonous arsenic oxide. Ore containing these minerals, the miners got the name kobold mountain spirit. Ancient Norse poisoning attributed smelters during the melting of silver antics of this evil spirit. Probably the name of an evil spirit comes from the Greek "kobalos" - smoke. By the same word the Greeks called deceitful people.
In 1735, the Swedish mineralogist Georg Brandt was able to identify this previously unknown mineral, metal, who called cobalt. He also found that the compounds of this element is stained glass in blue - this property is used in ancient Assyria and Babylon.
Also
• In Germanic mythology guardian spirit of underground minerals, tends to keep people underground treasures - happy debris, rock falls, etc.
• In the Middle Ages they defined as the smallest of Podgorny people - no more than two years of the child. Kobolds do not produce anything, they only harm people - can bring down the shaft, to confuse the miners to cut the rope.

Time travel

Method 1. Very fast moving with great speed. This is Uncle Einstein said that the faster we move, the slower these days. So fly around the Earth at nearly the speed it is possible to meet his great-grandchildren. And if we are moving faster than the speed of light, that our time goes backwards, and we find ourselves in the past. That's only when we reach such speeds is unknown.

Method 2. This method was derived mathematician. If the universe is spinning, going around it fast enough you can go back in time. But the evidence, the fact that the universe revolves not. Therefore proposed another option (Warning! Here sick imagination of mathematicians in general has issued a fun picture): take an infinitely long rotating around its axis rod and start running around. And if you run fast enough, you can be in the past.

Method 3. You've heard about the giant superstrings connecting everyone and everything in this world. Actually if you believe the "String theory" only those infinitely long strings exist in the universe, and everything else, including us, that the string vibrations. Theoretically, an infinitely long superstring is no different from an infinitely long rod, and if the two superstring face, they will start to rotate around each other. However, to find such a place is not easy, but that would fly his spaceship needs.

Method 4. Mole holes. This hole, connecting two points in space and time. In theory, they occur in the centers of black holes. Through one of the holes the main hero of the series "Farscape" goes to far-predalekoy galaxy. Without going into the details of astrophysics, but now scientists suggest that the black hole has the shape of the ball is not, and the rings in the center of this ring is a wormhole. If you fly through a wormhole, it is possible to be, generally speaking, anywhere, at least in the past, at least in the future, at least on the other side of the galaxy, at least in a parallel fantasy steampunk universe. That's just not go back to work, if you log into a wormhole to the other side, then you will be in the next universe, and then in the next, and so on ...
Some scientists suggest that it is possible to create a reversible wormhole through which to use, though to do so they need a few very, very much antimatter. But antimatter in our time is very expensive - for several trillion grams of antimatter to $ 20 million.

legends

THE OLD LADY OF THE ELDER TREE

Of all the legends of magical trees England tradition associated with the elder, was the most durable. Elder associated with witches, fairies sometimes and sometimes lived an independent life, as dryads or goddess. Elderberry flowers and fruit used for wine, distilled branches flies, it was thought that the good fairies hiding under the elder from witches and evil spirits. On the other hand, in Oxfordshire and the Midlands there was a belief, though in the elder become witches, and if the branch cut, the tree will bleed. Witch Rollrayt-Stone, according to legend, could take the form of an elder.


Tell many stories of misfortunes that have befallen the people who dared to cut down the sacred thorns. It was believed that some of the trees are inhabited by fairies, and others - the demons, if two thorny bush and elderberry bush grew close to each other, so they lived three evil spirit. The farmer, who tried to cut down a branch of the sacred elder overhanging the Holy Well, the self-fulfilling prophecy on his head. He made three attempts, twice stopped because he felt as if his house burns, but was convinced that it was just an obsession. The third time, he decided not to give in, and cut down a branch ¬ carried it home, but he found his hut on the site of the ashes. This peasant predosterezheniem4 neglected.



Now very few people believe in these stories, but they still prevail among the peasants. Thus, in early XX century could be heard the following story:
Hearing one day that a child in a nearby house was ill, I went to see him. The child seemed healthy, and I said so to his mother, and she quickly explained, "It's because of her husband's, and here's the thing. Rocking the cradle fell off, and he did it better-not figured out how to go cut down a new one from an elder, and the permission of the old women, then who will ask. Of course, she did not like it, she came and pinched Bambino so that mladenchik already flushed from the pain, and that, in vain, that if I threw this rocker, but instead another, from ash to settle down - now just like a child before. " This was something completely new for me, but a clue soon found. On the way back, I looked into the back yard, where chopping wood old Johnny Holmes.

"Prepare the kindling," as he put it. In order not to miss the chance, I picked up a piece of old wood beams and said, "You are not afraid to cut it?" - "No, - he said confidently. - It is no longer alive, but if it grew, I would list the old Gauls not broken, do not ask permission ... "A resolution should ask this:" Old Gaul, give me a tree, and I will give you my, When I grow sprouts from "5.


                          OAKMEN

There are some mentions of oak people in northern England, but the stories about them are few, although there is no doubt that the oak was considered sacred and powerful tree. Widely known for saying "Magic narodec lives in old oak trees." Sacred or royal oak in every any major forest from time immemorial was honored as holy. Oaks, as befitted the trees, in the old days who had divine status, terribly indignant when they cut: oak grove, which grew out of the roots of the felled trees, became after the sun is a dangerous place.


Here's a description of oak narodtsem: This stocky, stunted men with red noses, which are instead red hats caps grebes. They lure people invading their groves, delicious foods, in fact, made from poisonous mushrooms. Oak narodec lives in a magical forest, cut down three times and raised again grove where flower bells. In Cumberland stories "The Fox and the oak man" oak people act as protectors of animals. This story was written with the words of one soldier, who came from the Lake District, and it could be fake. However, it is worthy of attention and is likely to be confirmed by other primerami6



                       LAZY LAURENCE

Lazy Lawrence - the spirit guarding the gardens in Hampshire and Somerset. Perhaps the name was once known more widely, if only the name of the story, Mary Edgeworth "Lazy Lawrence" (which takes place in the village of Aston, near Bristol) is not a coincidence. In Hampshire it sometimes appears as a colt and a filly pursuing thieves-pixie.

In Somerset, he constantly annoys rogues, "cramping, twisting and knocking down," as stated in one of the night plotting (British Museum, MS 36674). There is a saying in Somerset:
Lazy Lawrence, let me go,
Do not keep me either summer or winter.

From this we can conclude that Lazy Lawrence - one of the warning spirits, such as Dick and Melyp Aude Guggi.