“We fairies that do run.../ Following the darkness like a dream/ Now are frolic; not a mouse/ Shall disturb this hallowed house./ I am sent with broom before/ To sweep the dust behind the door” Midsummer Night’s Dream Act 5 Scene 1

Today when we hear the word fairy, a small winged creature probably comes to mind. A little glowing girl fluttering amongst the flowers. This, however, would not be the image that came to mind for most Elizabethan playgoers. They would have been picturing a wide variety of creatures that were all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some were benevolent and some were evil. One thing was for certain though, you did not want to anger a fairy.

Today we will be discussing fairy lore as Shakespeare’s audience would have understood them. There was a long held belief in fairies and so the lore behind them is plentiful. We do our best to sum up what a fairy was to Shakespeare and his audience, but there is so much more to talk about for those who are interested. So, sit back, relax, and come into the English countryside with us to learn all about the fairy folk.

Primary resource: "At the Bottom of the Garden" by Diane Purkiss

Teller of Tales by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4467-teller-of-the-tales

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Minstrel Guild by KevinMacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4056-minstrel-guild

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/