I didn't mean the remark to be offensive in any way, I apologize if I did offend anyone. I am not the most adept at expression, and that is my own fault. I am newer to the realm of the arcane, and am aware that there are many different aspects. As to Fae and Elves and other creatures, I do believe. I will do more digging as to these other facets so I am more knowledgeable, and I humbly digress. Thank you all for your comments.*pulling foot out of mouth*
It's alright Gannon, that's what we are here for. Assumptions always lead to problems, no matter what the subject. That's why it is always best to ask questions. Google can't answer all questions because it is based off of words used, and magic subjects do bring up a lot fantasy results if you don't know the best terms to search.
But you responded well and that shows good character. ;) Balancing being open minded yet healthily analytical is a tough thing to accomplish without a firm base of knowledge. You're on the right road. It's better to be weary than naive.
I absolutely agree that most fantasy comics ,books ,movies are based on already existing tribal folklore ,which tribes around the world have had for thousand years.Moreover the guardians and keepers of this lore heritage were regarded also as the occult workers in the tribe too(shamans,mystics,witches,healers).
Great Slavic tribes that spread all over Middle and South Europe up to China have always had they own folklore about the nature spirits ,which are also known as The Fair Folk in West.For us they have many names and many shapes ,but people had not only great respect toward those beings ,but they also had a great fear.No human would wonder in their deep forests after sunset.There are many different kinds of them in Slavic folklore for example : Rusalki, Vili ,Divi Samodivi , Domovoi ,Vodnik,Talasym and including our version of the dragon called Zmei.Vili and Samodivi have been described as extremely beautiful and charming and have elf- alike features.
There are legends about those beings all over the World not only in North and West Europe.Almost all the tribes on all continents have those stories about those beings ,which are very elusive and in same time have left enough trace in the folklore of entire world for thousands of years.It is rather sad that people have lost their respect toward their roots and ancestors , and toward beings that once were respected and have twisted them in sugar-glazed, money making ,little, cute things.There is no wonder last ones do not want to have anything to do with human beings, anymore.As for the angels same can be said for them they were presented for so long as little ,plump cherubs that the New Age movement patronized them in our favorite servants,who exist only to protect us from all troubles we might get ourselves into.Why should any spiritual being have any respect toward my race and kin after all this?
Excellent point Art. People are not only judgmental and discriminatory against themselves (sexism, racism, etc) but over everything, including spirits. Everything with intelligence is subject to individuality. Everything can be good, bad, helpful, and dangerous, sometimes all of the above depending on the situation. Most of us are!
Spirits have been treated so terribly, even to this day, used and hunted, seen as nothing more than objects. I don't understand how people can be so surprised that they have seemingly "disappeared" to all but some.
It really is sad that we have relegated these mighty beings into sections of bookstores and homogenized them into whimsical entertaining roles. I have been researching since the initial post, and am truly amazed at the abilities they possess and the influence they held over our ancestors. I am actually more drawn to them. Our instinct is to naturally fear and attack what we do not understand, hence these beings not as willing to manifest themselves to most. I did notice an entry somewhere (will need to locate it) that basically stated that Elves were common in Northern Europe and rather benevolent towards man, but somewhere in time, man turned hostile towards them and began blaming them for all sorts of ills and misfortunes: crop failures, illnesses,
plagues and such. No wonder they avoid us as a whole, as this stigma is attached to them today, and we tend to view them as weaker, fantastical creatures that do not receive the respect and honor they truly deserve and squeeze them into a mold that we have created for them.
