My Fairy Friend

In this episode of Expanded Perspectives, the guys kick things off by discussing the Dallas Stars' recent defeat in the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Kyle humorously regrets ever expressing his love for the team, as fans have been relentlessly teasing him about their loss. Following this, they delve into a report from San Antonio, Texas, where a humanoid creature with oily, black, and smooth skin was spotted completely naked. Next, they recount the experience of an Alabama college student who encountered a massive pterosaur flying directly over their car while driving down a deserted dirt road in rural Alabama, an event the student is still grappling with. Lastly, they share a story from South Central Pennsylvania, where a person witnessed a small, red-haired creature walking down the middle of a tree-lined road one evening.

After the break, Kyle and Cam bring up some incredible encounters with the Fae. It may come as a surprise to some that fairies are not inherently nature spirits. This modern interpretation—specifically Victorian and New Age—has reduced powerful beings into small, sweet, and innocent creatures, like the stereotypical garden fairy adorned in a flower hat and skirt. However, there is another side to fairies that is far from benign. Just as our homes are sanctuaries for us, landscapes are sacred to fairy folk. Trespassing on their land can have severe and sometimes deadly consequences, depending on the stories you believe. Whether by setting up camp, stepping into a fairy ring, or inadvertently joining one of their gatherings, many unsuspecting mortals have been whisked away or threatened.

Folklore and fairy tales, steeped in the supernatural, are easily manipulated for various purposes. Fairies have been at the center of numerous hoaxes, including the famous Cottingley Fairies, where two young girls nearly convinced the world of their existence. Myths, folklore, and fairy tales have always been vital tools for learning and have frequently been adapted for this purpose. Like human societies, both benevolent and malevolent, fairy folk have their customs and etiquette. If you ever encounter the Faerie Host, Andy Paciorek advises shouting "God Bless you!" and throwing your left shoe at them (though if this fails, you'll have to fight with just one shoe). The general rule is to avoid disturbing fairies if possible. Do not break a fairy ring if you come across one. If you wish to attract a fairy, use something shiny, but place yellow flowers outside your home or have iron objects around to keep them away.

The prominence of certain fairy types varies by region. Northern Britain has hobgoblins, child- and adult-abducting fairies, and fairy royalty. In Scotland, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, described by Andy Paciorek as good and evil fairies, are well-known. In County Durham, the Water Witch lurks by the water's edge, preying on small children. At the Museum of Magic and Witchcraft, it is noted that Cornwall has a variety of fairies, the most prominent being the piskie. The piskie is notorious for causing mischief and mayhem. To fend off piskies, you need iron; otherwise, they will steal anything shiny and play tricks. Here's a tip: not all fairies are benevolent! If you find yourself walking alone at night and hearing a horse's whickering or seeing a strange light ahead, do not follow it. You may end up waylaid and "Puck led." Survivors of such encounters often awaken in a muddy ditch, having been deceived by fairy lights into straying from their path and into trouble.

All of this and more on this installment of Expanded Perspectives!

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