Emily Chan
Back in the Middle Ages, people had a supernatural explanation for almost everything. In their minds, spirits lurked in every shadow, sneezes were signs of doom, and the simplest charms could turn your luck.
Encounters with supernatural phenomena like ghosts, demons, vampires, werewolves, witches, and fairies in the forests were all detailed in medieval stories. People believed in them, and these beliefs shaped their lives.
Some creatures that were described in medieval records included elves, fairies, and sirens. In various accounts, medieval elves either merged with demons or fairies.
According to the 13th-century English priest Layamon, elves gave King Arthur magical gifts. Then, they took the form of beautiful women and carried him away to the mythical island of Avalun to heal. This was the belief of the Celtic people.
Fairies first appeared in French documents. Apparently, they looked more like humans than elves. Later on, wings were added to their description.
Fairies also became part of the category of supernatural female creatures that lured human men into dangerous relationships. The most famous one was Melusine, who was half-human and half-serpent.
She brought wealth, prosperity, and many sons to her human husband but imposed one rule: he could never see her on Saturdays. When he broke the rule, her true form was revealed, and she left forever.
Tales of abduction also showed up frequently in medieval writing. Sometimes, tales of abduction by fairies were dismissed as delusions, but stories of miracles were typically regarded as true, and natural marvels were associated with the divine acts of God.
One notable example was recorded in the Life of St. Modwenna, written by the abbot Geoffrey of Burton. St. Modwenna was an early Irish princess and abbess.
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