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Author
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Comment
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debrawaxman2000
Registered User
(5/12/07 8:27 pm)
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Re: power of names over fairies
Thanks to everyone who has been so helpful, answering my questions. I am trying to understand the importance of a fairy's true name. I have heard that fairy's keep their real names a secret because anyone who knows their true name will have power over them. I'm wondering if this is a standard interpretation. I am also wondering exactly what type of power someone would have over a fairy if he or she knew the fairy's truename. Are there any other resources I should be looking at for info on this issue?
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aka Greensleeves
Registered User
(5/12/07 9:02 pm)
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Re: power of names over fairies
Look into "Name of the Helper" tales like "Rumpelstiltskin," "Whuppity Stoorie," and "Tom-tit-tot."
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Rosemary Lake
Registered User
(5/12/07 9:26 pm)
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origin
I have an impression that the 'true name gives power' thing did not originate in connection with 'fairies', at least not the European/UK sort. I don't recall having seen it give power over a fairy other than in a 'name of the helper' sort of situation.
It may be more connected with the sort of magic that 'conjures' spirits, ie summons a spirit to appear (hopefully within a pentagon) to do something the magician has planned.
(Hm, why did the Hippies just levitate the Pentagon, why not conjure some spirits inside while they were at it?)
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maggy moulach
Registered User
(5/16/07 5:10 pm)
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Re: origin
People used to fear angering the fairies by naming them, hence euphemisms like 'the good people' 'the little people' 'mothers blessing' etc.
The real name of a being is often seen as holding the essence of that thing. Hence knowing the real name gives you power over that being.
Here is a list of fairies where name is discovered and it loses its power:
Gebhart, Girle Guairle, Hipche, Kruzimugeli, Mollyndroat, Kinkach Martinko, Knirfinker, Rumpelstltskin, Peerifool
Fairies with secret names:
Tom Tit Tot, Terrytop, Habetrot, Foul Weather, Sili Ffrit, Trwtyn-Tratyn
Puddlefoot is a brownie who disappears in a huff when given a name.
The Short Hoggers were unbaptised spirits who were laid when they were finally named.
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Van45us
Registered User
(5/16/07 10:24 pm)
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Re: origin
I think the idea was to levitate it off the planet, or barring that,
drop it from a decent altitude. :hat
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