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, which may come from old Celtic traditions. 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. Older tales said they wore dirty, ragged clothes, which they would leave behind for gifts of new clothes. 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," while others think it has Celtic roots because pixies are often linked to areas in Cornwall and Devon. In these places, pixies are sometimes called by other names like 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. Some stories say they were the souls of children who died before being baptized.

In older tales, pixies were known to enjoy music and dancing. They were sometimes helpful to humans but could also trick travelers. One famous story from Dartmoor tells of pixies disguising themselves as bundles of rags to lure children. In the town of Ottery St. Mary, there is a special event called Pixie Day that celebrates a legend where pixies tried to stop monks from bringing bells to the town but were outsmarted.

Characteristics

Pixies are mythical creatures from British folklore, often described as small and sometimes without clothes. They are known to love pretty things, like ribbons, and might take children or lead travelers to the wrong place. They are said to bring good luck to people who care for them.

Pixies have a special connection to horses, enjoying riding them and playing with the horses' manes. Some stories say pixies are tiny, wingless beings, while others describe them as having wings and being almost ageless. They are often seen as magical friends to humans, living in forests and bringing blessings to the land.