Pixie

A pixie (also called pisky, pixy, pixi, pizkie, piskie, or pigsie in parts of Cornwall and Devon) is a mythical creature from British folklore. People often thought pixies lived in the high moorland areas around Cornwall and Devon. The name ‘pixie’ also showed up in places like Dorset, Somerset, and sometimes in Sussex, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.

Like the Irish and Scottish Aos Sí, pixies were believed to live in ancient underground places such as stone circles, barrows, dolmens, ringforts, or menhirs. Old stories describe pixies as kind but playful, small, and like children. They loved to dancing and wrestling outside at night.

Today, pixies are often shown with pointed ears and green clothes with pointed hats. These newer looks come from the Victorian era and are not part of the older stories.

Etymology and origin

The word pixie has an uncertain origin. Some believe it might come from a Swedish word meaning "small fairy." Others think it has Celtic roots because pixies are often linked to areas in Cornwall and Devon. In these places, pixies are sometimes called pisky or piskie.

Pixies share similarities with other mythical creatures from nearby cultures, such as the Aos Sí from Ireland, the Tylwyth Teg from Wales, and the korrigan from Breton culture. They are often thought to have existed before Christianity arrived in Britain.

In older tales, pixies liked music and dancing. They were sometimes helpful to humans but could also trick travelers. One famous story from Dartmoor tells of pixies disguising themselves to lure children. In the town of Ottery St. Mary, there is a special event called Pixie Day that celebrates a legend about pixies.

Characteristics

Pixies are magical creatures from British stories. They are usually small and sometimes shown without clothes. Pixies love pretty things, like ribbons, and might take children or lead travelers to the wrong place. They are believed to bring good luck to people who care for them.

Pixies have a special connection to horses. They enjoy riding horses and playing with the horses' manes. Some tales say pixies are tiny and do not have wings, while others say they have wings and live a very long time. They are often seen as friendly magical helpers to humans, living in forests and bringing good things to the land.