Aos Sí - WikiHQ

thumb|upright=1.7|[[The Riders of the Sidhe|Riders of the Sidhe (1911), painting by John Duncan]]

The ' (; English approximation: ; older form: ,

The name aos sí means "folk of the sí"; these are the burial mounds in which they are said to dwell, which are seen as portals to an Otherworld. Such abodes are referred to in English as 'shee', 'fairy mounds', 'elf mounds' or 'hollow hills'. The aos sí interact with humans and the human world. They are variously said to be the ancestors, the spirits of nature, or goddesses and gods.

In modern Irish, they are also called ('folk of the fairy mounds').

Etymology

In the Irish language, aos sí, earlier aes sídhe, means "folk of the fairy mounds". In Old Irish, it was áes síde. The word sí or sídh in Irish means a fairy mound or ancient burial mound, which were seen as portals to an Otherworld. It is derived from proto-Celtic *sīdos ('abode'), and is related to the English words 'seat' and 'settle'.

David Fitzgerald conjectured that the word sídh was synonymous with "immortal" and is compared with words such as sídsat ("they wait/remain"), síthbeo ("lasting"), sídhbuan ("perpetual"), and sídhbe ("long life"). In most of the tales concerning the sí, a great age or long life is implied.

In medieval literature

In medieval Irish literature, the names aes síde and fír síde (folk of the síd) are equivalent to the terms Tuath Dé and Tuatha Dé Danann. The only difference is that Tuath Dé tends to be used in contexts of legendary history and mythology.

Writing in the 7th century, the Irish bishop Tírechán described the sídh folk as "earthly gods" (). In the former case, it is said that the fairies are angels who have fallen from heaven, but whose sins were not great enough to warrant hell. However, sidh in older texts refers specifically to "the palaces, courts, halls or residences" of the otherworldly beings that supposedly inhabit them.

Other names in Irish folklore

The Aos sí are known by many names in Ireland, among them: has come to indicate any supernatural woman of Ireland who announces a coming death by wailing and keening. Her counterpart in Scottish mythology is the bean sìth (sometimes spelled bean-sìdh). Other varieties of aos sí and daoine sìth include the Scottish bean-nighe (the washerwoman who is seen washing the bloody clothing or armour of the person who is doomed to die), the leanan sídhe (the "fairy lover"), the cat-sìth (a fairy cat), and the cù-sìth (a fairy dog).

The sluagh sídhe—"the fairy host"—is sometimes depicted in Irish and Scottish lore as a crowd of airborne spirits, perhaps the cursed, evil or restless dead. The siabhra (anglicised as "sheevra"), may be a type of these lesser spirits, prone to evil and mischief. However, an Ulster folk song also uses "sheevra" simply to mean "spirit" or "fairy".

List

Abarta
Abhartach
Alp-luachra
Bean-nighe/Caoineag
Banshee
Cat-sìth
Cù-sìth
Changeling
Clíodhna
Clurichaun
Dobhar-chú
Dullahan
Ellén Trechend
Fachan
Far darrig
Fear gorta
Am Fear Liath Mòr
Fetch
Fuath
Gancanagh
Ghillie Dhu / Gille Dubh
Glaistig/Glashtyn
Leanan sídhe
Leprechaun
Merrow
Oilliphéist
Púca
Selkie
Sluagh

Creideamh Sí

thumb|right|[[Crataegus monogyna|Hawthorn tree, considered in local Irish lore (and Celtic folklore in general) to be sacred to the aos sí]]

Creideamh Sí is Irish for the "Fairy Faith", a term for the collection of beliefs and practices observed by those who wish to keep good relationships with the aos sí and avoid angering them.

Effort is made by those who believe to appease local aos sí through food and drink. The custom of offering milk and traditional foods—such as baked goods, apples or berries—to the aos sí has survived through the Christian era into the present day in parts of Ireland, Scotland and the diaspora.

Explanatory notes

References

Primary sources

Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions) in Lebor Laignech (The Book of Leinster)
Annála na gCeithre Máistrí (The Annals of the Four Masters)
Leabhar Bhaile an Mhóta (The Book of Ballymote)
Lebor na hUidre (The Book of the Dun Cow)
Leabhar Buidhe Lecain (The Yellow Book of Lecan)
Leabhar (Mór) Leacain (The Great Book of Lecan)

Secondary sources

Briggs, Katharine (1978). The Vanishing People: Fairy Lore and Legends. New York: Pantheon.
Briody, Mícheál (2008, 2016) The Irish Folklore Commission 1935–1970: History, Ideology, Methodology Helsinki Finnish Literature Society and Studia Fennica Foloristica 17 Retrieved on 10 April 2018
Colum, Padraic (1967) A Treasury of Irish Folklore: The Stories, Traditions, Legends, Humor, Wisdom, Ballads, and Songs of the Irish People. New York Crown Publishers Retrieved from Opensource via Archive.org 10 April 2018
De Jubainville, M. H. D'Arbois and Richard Irvine Best (1903). The Irish Mythological Cycle and Celtic Mythology. Dublin Hodges, Figgis, and Company. Retrieved from Indiana University Library via Archive.org 12 October 2017
Evans-Wentz, W. Y. (1911). The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries. London: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 12 October 2017
Gantz, Jeffrey (1981) Early Irish Myths and Sagas London, Penguin ;
Keating, Geoffrey ( 1866) Foras Feasa ar Éirinn: The History of Ireland O'Mahony John (Trans) New York. James B. Kirker Retrieved from Boston College Libraries via Archive.org 12 October 2017 also republished as Keating, Geoffrey ( 1902–14) Foras Feasa ar Éirinn: The History of Ireland Comyn, David and Dinneen, Patrick S. (eds.) 4 vols. London David Nutt for the Irish Texts Society. Retrieved from University of Toronto Library via Archive.org 12 October 2017
Keightley, Thomas. (1892) Fairy Mythology. London: George Bell & Sons, Retrieved from Project Gutenberg 15 October 2017
Koch, John T. (2005). Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia Vol. 1 A-Celti. Oxford. ABC-Clio. Retrieved on 14 March 2018
MacKillop, James (1986). Fionn Mac Cumhail: Celtic Myth in English Literature New York Syracuse University Press Retrieved on 14 March 2018
MacKillop, James (2005). Myths and Legends of the Celts. London. Penguin Books .Retrieved on 14 March 2018
McAnally, David Russell (1888).Irish Wonders: The Ghosts, Giants, Pookas, Demons, Leprechawns, Banshees, Fairies, Witches, Widows, Old Maids, and Other Marvels of the Emerald Isle Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, & Company Retrieved from United States Library of Congress via Archive.org 20 November 2017
Monaghan, Patricia (2004)The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore New York Facts on File Retrieved on 10 April 2018
Ó Danachair, Caoimhín (1978). A Bibliography of Irish Ethnology and Folk Tradition. Dublin Mercier Press
Ó Súilleabháin, Seán (1942) A Handbook of Irish Folklore Dublin Educational Company of Ireland Limited
Ó Súilleabháin, Seán & Christiansen, Reidar Th.(1963). The Types of the Irish Folktale. Folklore Fellows' Communications No. 188. Helsinki 1963.
Rolleston, T.W. (1911). Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race. London. George Harrap and Company. Retrieved from Public Library of India via Archive.org 14 March 2018
Zipes, Jack (2015) The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales 2nd Ed. Oxford University Press Retrieved 10 April 2018
White, Carolyn (2005) [1st pub.1976], A History of Irish Fairies New York. Avalon Publishing Group.
Irish folklore archive inscribed into UNESCO register Rte News 6 December 2017 Retrieved 10 April 2018

Tertiary sources

Anonymous [C.J.T.] (1889). Folk-Lore and Legends: Ireland. London: W.W. Gibbings. Retrieved from Harvard University Library via Archive.org 21 November 2017 also republished as Anonymous [C.J.T.] (1904). Irish Fairy Tales Folklore and Legends. London: W.W. Gibbings. Retrieved via Archive.org 21 November 2017
Anonymous, The Royal Hibernian Tales; Being 4 Collections of the Most Entertaining Stories Now Extant, Dublin, C.M. Warren, Retrieved from Google Books on 4 November 2017
Browne, Frances. (1904). Granny's Wonderful Chair New York: McClure, Phillips and Company, Retrieved from United States Library of Congress via Archive.org 22 November 2017
Carleton, William (1830). Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, First Series Vol. 1. Dublin: William Curry, Jun, and Company Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 11 November 2017
Carleton, William (1830). Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, First Series Vol. 2. Dublin: William Curry, Jun, and Company Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 11 November 2017
Carleton, William (1834). Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, Second Series Vol. 1. Dublin: William Frederick Wakeman Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 11 November 2017
Carleton, William (1834). Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, Second Series Vol. 2. Dublin: William Frederick Wakeman Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 11 November 2017
Carleton, William (1834). Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, Second Series Vol. 3. Dublin: William Frederick Wakeman Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 11 November 2017
Carleton, William (1845). Tales and Sketches Illustrating the Character, Usages, Traditions, Sports, and Pastimes of the Irish Peasantry. Dublin: James Duffy Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 11 November 2017
Colum, Padraic (1916). The King of Ireland's Son. New York: H. Holt and Company Retrieved from Project Gutenberg via [1] 24 November 2017
Colum, Padraic (1918). The Boy Who Knew How to Speak to Birds. New York: The MacMillan Company Retrieved from New York Public Library via Archive.org 24 November 2017
Colum, Padraic (1929) (First Pub. 1919). The Girl Who Sat by the Ashes. New York: The MacMillan Company Retrieved from New York Public Library via Archive.org 24 November 2017
Croker, Thomas Crofton (1825).Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland vol. 1 London: John Murray, Retrieved from Oxford University Library via Archive.org 6 November 2017
Croker, Thomas Crofton (1828).Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland vol. 2 London: John Murray, Retrieved from Oxford University Library via Archive.org 6 November 2017
Croker, Thomas Crofton (1828).Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland vol. 3 London: John Murray, Retrieved from Oxford University Library via Archive.org 6 November 2017
Curtin, Jeremiah (1890). Myths and Folk-Lore of Ireland London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington Retrieved from University of Toronto Library via Archive.org 8 November 2017
Curtin, Jeremiah (1894). Hero-Tales of Ireland. London: MacMillan and Company Retrieved from University of Toronto Library via Archive.org 8 November 2017
Curtin, Jeremiah (1895). Tales of the Fairies and of the Ghost World: Collected from Oral Tradition in South-West Munster. Boston: Little Brown Company Retrieved from University of Wisconsin Library via Archive.org 8 November 2017
De Valera, Sinéad (1927). Irish Fairy Stories, London: MacMillan Children's Books. Retrieved 27 November 2017 .
Dixon Hardy, Phillip. (1837).Legends, Tales, and Stories of Ireland Dublin: P.J. John Cumming, Retrieved from Harvard University Library via Archive.org 23 November 2017
Dwelly, Edward (1902).Faclair Gàidhlìg air son nan sgoiltean : le dealbhan, agus a h-uile facal anns na faclairean Gàidhlig eile .. Herne Bay: E. MacDonald & Co, Retrieved from University of Toronto Library via Archive.org 29 Aug 2022
Frost, William Henry. (1900).Fairies and Folk of Ireland New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, Retrieved from New York Public Library via Archive.org 6 November 2017
Graves, Alfred Perceval. (1909).The Irish Fairy Book London: T. Fisher Unwin, Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 22 November 2017
Griffin, Gerald (1842) Tales of the Jury-Room in Three Volumes. Vol.1 London Maxwell and Co. Publishers Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018
Griffin, Gerald (1842) Tales of the Jury-Room in Three Volumes. Vol.2 London Maxwell and Co. Publishers Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018
Griffin, Gerald (1842) Tales of the Jury-Room in Three Volumes. Vol.3 London Maxwell and Co. Publishers Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018
Griffin, Gerald (1827) Tales of the Munster Festivals in Three Volumes. Vol.1 London Saunders and Otley Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018
Griffin, Gerald (1827) Tales of the Munster Festivals in Three Volumes. Vol.2 London Saunders and Otley Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018
Griffin, Gerald (1827) Tales of the Munster Festivals in Three Volumes. Vol.3 London Saunders and Otley Retrieved from University of Illinois Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018
Hyde, Douglas (1890). Beside the Fire: A Collection of Irish Gaelic Folk Stories. London: David Nutt Retrieved from National Library of Scotland via Archive.org 9 November 2017
Hyde, Douglas (1896). Five Irish Stories: Translated from the Irish of the "Sgeuluidhe Gaodhalach". Dublin: Gill & Son Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 9 November 2017
Hyde, Douglas (1915). Legends of Saints and Sinners (Every Irishman's Library). London: T. Fisher Unwin Retrieved from University of Connecticut Library via Archive.org 9 November 2017
Jacobs, Joseph (1892) Celtic Fairy Tales London : D. Nutt. Retrieved from Wikisource 17 October 2017
Joyce, Patrick Weston. (1879).Old Celtic Romances London: C. Kegan Paul and Co., Retrieved from Harvard University Library via Archive.org 22 November 2017
Kennedy, Patrick (1866) Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts, London: MacMillan and Company Retrieved from National Library of Scotland via Archive.org 15 November 2017
Kennedy, Patrick (1870). Fireside Stories of Ireland, London: M'Glashan and Gill and Patrick Kennedy. Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 18 November 2017
Kiely, Benedict (2011). The Penguin Book of Irish Short Stories London: Penguin Books, . Retrieved 27 November 2017 . (Traditional Irish story translated from "The Stories of Johnny Shemisin" (no Date), Ulster Council of the Gaelic League
Leamy, Edmund. (1906).Irish Fairy Tales Dublin: M.A. Gill & Son. Ltd, Retrieved from University of Toronto Library via Archive.org 6 November 2017
Lover, Samuel (1831).Legends and Stories of Ireland vol. 1 Dublin: W.F. Wakeman, Retrieved from University of Pittsburgh Library via Archive.org 6 November 2017
Lover, Samuel (1831).Legends and Stories of Ireland vol. 2 London: Baldwin and Cradock, Retrieved from Oxford University Library via Archive.org 7 November 2017
MacManus, Anna (Ethna Carbery). (1904).In The Celtic Past New York: Funk and Wagnalls, Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 22 November 2017
MacManus, Seumas. (1899).In the Chimney Corners: Merry Tales of Irish Folk Lore New York: Doubleday and McClure Company, Retrieved from New York Public Library via Archive.org 24 November 2017
MacManus, Seumas (1900). Donegal Fairy Stories New York: Doubleday, Page & and Company, Retrieved from Harvard University Library via Archive.org 22 November 2017
McClintock, Letitia (1876). Folklore of the County Donegal, Dublin University Magazine 88. Retrieved from National Library of Ireland on 15 October 2017
O'Faolain, Eileen (1954). Irish sagas and Folk Tales London: Oxford University Press. ; .
O'Flaherty, Liam (1927). The Fairy Goose and Two Other Stories, London: Crosby Gaige. Retrieved 27 November 2017 .
Scott, Michael (1988) Green and Golden Tales: Irish Hero Tales Dublin: Sphere Books Limited ;
Scott, Michael (1989) Green and Golden Tales: Irish Animal Tales Dublin: Sphere Books Limited ;
Scott, Michael (1989). Irish Folk and Fairy Tales Omnibus. London Sphere Books ;
Scott, Michael (1995) Magical Irish Folk Tales Dublin: Sphere Books Limited ;
Scott, Michael (1988). Green and Golden Tales: Irish Fairy Tales, Dublin: Sphere Books Limited,; .
Sheridan Le Fanu, Joseph, (5 February 1870) The Child That Went with the Fairies All the Year Round pp. 228–233 Retrieved from Prelinger Library via Archive.org 10 April 2018 Republished in Sheridan Le Fanu, Joseph (1923) Madam Crowl's Ghost and Other Tales of Mystery James, Montague Rhodes (ed.) London: George Bell & Sons, Retrieved from Project Gutenberg 10 April 2018
Stephens, James (1920) Irish Fairy Tales. London, MacMillan & Company, Retrieved from Project Gutenberg 5 November 2017
Wilde, Lady Francesca Speranza (1888).Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland London: Ward and Downey, Retrieved from Cornell University Library via Archive.org 5 November 2017
Yeats, William Butler. (1888).Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry London: Walter Scott, Retrieved from University of Toronto Library via Archive.org 20 November 2017
Yeats, William Butler. (1888).Irish Fairy Tales London: T. Fisher Unwin, Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 20 November 2017
Young, Ella. (1910).Celtic Wonder Tales Book Dublin: Maunsel & Company LTD, Retrieved from University of California Library via Archive.org 22 November 2017