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.
luengo_ua – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only – pictured above is the Vaduz Royal castle in Liechtenstein, which is a medieval castle in Alps
Two tenants of Burton Abbey instigated a violent quarrel between the abbot and Count Roger the Poitevin.
The troublemakers died suddenly and were buried right away. But at sunset, they reappeared, carrying their own coffins. Then, they transformed into frightening animals.
The corpses reportedly brought death to the village. Only three people were left alive. Their graves were dug up so the bodies could be dismembered and their hearts burned. The ritual got rid of the evil spirit and led to the recovery of the surviving villagers.
The creatures associated with natural marvels included dragons, unicorns, and basilisks. Basilisks were said to be extremely poisonous. Their scent, breath, and gaze were enough to kill anyone on the spot.
They were mentioned in the book written by the Roman philosopher Pliny. Basilisks were found in the province of Cyrene, which is now Libya.
Medieval people believed in a diverse range of supernatural beings. Today, they are considered the stuff of fiction, but they have remained popular in modern society.
HPK-Images – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only – pictured above is a fairy house
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.