Fairy Quote by Colin Bord
““We designate the spirit of the well as 'she' because in most of her personifications she takes a female form, though not invariably. She appears in many guises - ghost, witch, saint, mermaid, fairy, and sometimes in animal form, often as a sacred fish - and her presence permeates well lore, and indeed water lore generally.””
About This Quote
The quote describes how wells are personified as female spirits appearing in many forms across folklore, emphasizing their pervasive role in water-related myths.
In simple terms: Wells are seen as female spirits in many guises in folklore.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cultural symbolism of water sources.
Themes
mythology
gender
nature
folklore
symbolism
Mood
mysterious
reflective
Type
cultural
educational
When to use this quote
- rituals
- environmental storytelling
- heritage tourism
- educational programs
Key Concepts
personification
archaeology
cultural studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gendered personification affect our relationship with nature?
- What other natural features are gendered in folklore?
A Different Perspective
Not all cultures view wells as female; some see them as genderless or male.
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