So far we’ve covered Seelie and Unseelie faeries, pookas, faoladhs, and merrows. But we should not forget about the tiniest member of the Fair Folk: the pixies. These small, childlike creatures are mostly benign, but they enjoy playing the occasional trick. They’re known to live in moors, forests, or even gardens.
The pixies are often associated with Dartmoor, where some landmarks have been named after them. It is said that pixies love to steal horses at night to ride them across the moor. If they manage to get into your home, they will throw pots and pans for fun.
In Cornish Folklore, the pixies are led by their queen Joan the Wad. The name “Wad” means torch and many believe that Joan will light the way to safety and good luck. She is often associated with Jack o’ the Lantern, the king of pixies. Some might consider the two will-‘o-the-wisps, who lead travellers astray from their path.
The pixies who inhabit my books
Kayla’s first encounter with a pixie in Seelie Princess isn’t a happy one. During a faerie revel at the Seelie Court, the dead body of a pixie is found.
She unfolded the blanket of the bundle in her lap and revealed a tiny and fragile creature, with deep-blue skin and fine, bug-like wings that lay motionless against its side. Its eyes were open and empty. Blood soaked the cloth it wore.
In both sequels, Unseelie Queen and Goddess of Light, Kayla doesn’t get a lot of chances to talk to a pixie. However, Fay often crosses paths with the pixies (and especially their leaders!) due to her duties at the royal court.
As Fay was approached by all kinds of people, Ophira stuck to her side, supporting her with whispered advice. “The leaders of the pixies are coming our way. Bluebell and Thistle. Old friends of mine.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Fay said to the two small blue-skinned creatures floating in the air before her. Then she listened to Bluebell expressing her gratitude for the invitation to the court, while Thistle drank from a goblet that was half his size.
The pixies have been allies to the Seelies since the beginning. Both were created by their god, Dôn, the mother of the Light Children. Pixies prefer to avoid any violence, but if necessary, they will defend themselves and their home.
Last updated: February 13, 2024
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Sarah Tanzmann 