Tall Tales of Wee Folk

Valentine’s Day is over and all that are left are some sad roses, broken promises, and embarrassing angst-ridden Facebook posts. That can only mean one thing; the stores (or at least one miserly corner of them) will be full of shamrocks, annoying t-shirts that borderline on sexual harassment, and references to little green men. No, I’m not talking about Martians. I’m referencing everyone’s favorite ethnic stereotypes, the original precious metal hoarders, the Leprechauns.

Leprechauns started out in Irish folklore as a type of fairy. They do hide gold at the end of rainbows, but are also the Jimmy Choo’s of the fairy-folk. Yep, they spend most of their time making shoes when they aren’t begrudgingly handing out wishes, playing tricks, or protecting their gold. They are not considered to be good or malevolent even though some accounts pronounce them to be the product of an evil spirit hooking up with a bad fairy. Most accounts do agree that Leprechauns are greedy, mischievous, and it’s a really bad idea to offend them (especially if you share your home with one). Oh, and don’t even bother inquiring about equal pot o’ gold opportunity as these cryptid-critters are exclusively male.

The Irish are certainly not the only culture with tales of “little people”. All around the globe there are recorded folklore and myths from glittery pixies to hairy pygmies. The tales of which run the gamut of miniature mischief makers to tiny terrors.

Native American folklore is rich with stories regarding miniature humanoids.

Aztec culture told about the Chanekeh, small spirit-beings who so hated to be disturbed they would frighten the soul out of your body. Perhaps this has something to do with some tales giving them a child’s body and the face of an elderly person (nice).

Memegwaans are from the Ojibwe myths regarding a race of mini-people who seem to be very concerned with the welfare of young humans but usually dislike adults. They are even said to stay with lost children and comfort them.

One type of wee folk in Cherokee culture are called the Yunwi Tsundi and are divided into three sub-groups, the Rock clan, the Laurel clan, and the Dogwood clan. Those from the Rock clan bear watching as they like to kidnap children and some claim this is to continue their bloodline. The Laurel clan are a mirthful band of tricksters who love to spread laughter. They remind humans not to take themselves too seriously. The Dogwood clan are a group of little hermits who are generally on the serious side, but will occasionally do good deeds like plowing fields or reaping the harvest for humans in the cover of night.

A very interesting legend is the Mannegishi of the Cree. They are a race of petite tricksters with long, spindly limbs, a large head, and no nose (gray aliens anyone?). Interestingly, they are also polydactyl, which means they have an extra digit on each extremity (Nephalim?). The Mannegishi are said to live in the rock cliffs near rapidly flowing water. One of their hobbies is overturning the canoes of the humans unlucky enough to cross their paths, thus drowning them in the swirling water (you mad, bro?).

From the mostly benevolent and industrious builders named the Menehune of the Hawaiian Islands, to the hidden household helpers of Scotland and England called Brownies, the “little people” tend to share similar characteristics.

You will see rocks, caves, and cliffs to be popular dwelling places for these small folk, although some prefer to live in the walls of homes or deep in the forest. While many enjoy doing kind acts, most can display vengeful behavior if provoked. Invading their homes or being too inquisitive seems to be an easy way to anger them. They prefer seclusion and privacy until they decide to initiate a meeting with humans. It’s interesting that so many of these stories from around the world include hearing music whether it be drums or soft flutes in remote places as a signal you are approaching a band of wee ones. Many times those who pursue this music will find it vanishes as you draw near only to appear somewhere else. Love of or interest in children, affinity for precious metals, and a penchant for trickery are also typical.

Do you have any info about the “little peoples” you would like to share? Interesting stories and experiences? Please leave your comments. I love reading them. Thanks for reading my thoughts as well. Blessings and love to you all.