Faeries can be found in a wide variety of places, indeed almost anywhere in the world, and several places which aren't. But there are a number of areas and types of places where they can be frequently found.
In recent times Faeries are often portrayed as living in the forests, but in ancient myths they are creatures of the soil. The "Hollow Hills" of the British Isles are the sacred residence of the wee folk. These hills often thought to be the burial mounds of Celts, or the reamins of Roman or Saxon forts or rathes are called "Sidhe" (pronounced "Shee"). They are the lodgings of Spriggans, Leprachans, the Unsellie Court, and Daoine Sidhe to name but a few. Most Faeries would guard their hime jealously against any mortal intruder, and the ill-fated man who dug or built upon their lands was in for a great misery or even death. Such superstition has lasted even into the 20th century, for in Ireland local workers still refuse to desecrate the Sidhe.
The entrances to these Sidhe were notoriously hard to find, often only appearing as a door in the side of a hill once a year. Other dwellings would become visible for what they truly were only during celebrations, where the whole hill would be raised on great pillars. Or when the hidden doors would be thrown open to let a Faerie Rade ride off into the night.
Many of the myths that connect Faeries to the spirits or the guardians of the dead stem from them living underground. Some entrances to Faerie rathes have been thought to be the gate to the underworld.
Another common dwelling place for Faeries is beneath the waves, and on islands. Many Faeries such as the Fomorians, Merrow and [others] have strong connections with the water, and are almost never found away from it. The Fomorians and Merrow are said to live in great castles in the depths of the sea. While other Faeries such as [] live in cities hidden in the bottom of lakes.
The third area a Faerie is most likely to take up residence could be your own house. Many Faerie enjoy the company of humans (and their food, clothing, alcohol and fires), or enjoy their torment. Farm houses, cottages, inns seem to be their favorite residences. |
