Faires Quote by Lewis Spence
““This brings me to the question of the antiquity of the belief in fairies and to the associated problem of the existence of strata or stages in fairy belief. The antiquity of the belief is revealed by the wide distribution of tales concerning fairies, while it is also indicated by the antipathy of the elves to iron and salt - ancient taboos both. Not only so, but many traits respecting fairies, especially shape-shifting and the belief in their semi-corporeal state, are eloquent of primitive notions. That the process of the fairy belief witnessed more than one stage of development in the course of successive ages appears more than probable. 'The fairies of one race,' remarks Wentz, 'are the people of the preceding race.' If this statement lacks a certain precision, one realizes the implication; that is, that the ghosts or gods of a preceding race may come to be regarded by their successors as fairies.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries, 1922
Fairy beliefs evolve over time, reflecting ancient taboos and cultural shifts; earlier deities become re‑interpreted as fairies.
In simple terms: Fairy myths change as cultures change.
Key Takeaway
Study folklore to trace cultural evolution.
Themes
mythology
history
culture
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- museum curation
- heritage preservation
Key Concepts
cultural transmission
anthropology
symbolic transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the fairy‑god transition reveal about societal change?
- How do modern myths reflect ancient fears?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations may oversimplify complex belief systems.
