h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

These are notes on the different creatures I want to include in my story:

Names for Fairies: Kobold, Nisse


The Norwegian "Nisse" and Trolls have been part of Norwegian traditions in hundreds of years. Nissen was a tiny fellow who lived in the barn and cared for the herd. If treated nicely, he took good care of horses and cattle. He was dressed in a knitted sweather, knee-long trousers, wooden shoes or boots - and, of course the knitted red cap. ; "Nisselua". (during World War 2 this kind of red "Nisse-cap" became such a symbol of Norwegian patriotisme, that it was prohibited to use them !)
It was very important to place a bowl of Christmas porridge in the barn. If forgotten, the Nisse could make a lot of trouble for the farmer the following year. But the old Norwegian Nisse didn't bring any gifts. Until the early years of last century he was the only "Nisse" known to Norwegians. But, influence from abroad has hit the local "Santa" If you ever should find yourself outdoors in Norway on Christmas Eve, you'll probably run into a lot of Santa/Nisse mixtures..............



Sylphs
Sylphs are beings associated with the element of Air. Their activity is reflected in the gathering of clouds, the formation of snowflakes, and the growth and maturity of all plant life. They are the spirits of the wind, and were the source of many Greek myths and legends. Among the Elementals as a whole, Sylphs are of the highest vibration and can thus traverse the dimensions more or less at will.

The Sylphs have a ruler whose name is Paralda. Though essentially creatures of the air, Sylphs reside on high mountain tops. Legend has it that they once spoke to human through caverns and were the voices of ancient oracles.

Sylphs are associated with the activity of the human mind. They can influence and inspire humans; often they are said to gather around the poet or artist in order to impart their inner visions of spiritual beauty. They usually appear to humans in the classic fairy image.

Sylphs are active, quick of movement and speech. They are clever and intelligent, but can be subtle in their persuasiveness. By nature, Sylphs are aloof and detached. They're called for help in creation or resolution of issues involving the intelligence and the mind, or products of intellect.

[size=9]Posted Thu Sep 09, 2004 8:51 pm:[/size]

The sylphs are the air spirits. Their element has the highest vibratory rate of the four (beside earth, fire, water). They live hundreds of years, often reaching one thousand and never seeming to get old. They are said to live on the tops of mountains. The leader of the sylphs is a being called Paralda who is said to dwell on the highest mountain of Earth.

Sylphs often assume human form but only for short periods of time. The vary in size from being as large as a human to being much smaller. They are volatile and changeable. The winds are their particular vehicle. The work through the gases and ethers of the Earth and are kindly toward humans. They are usually seen with wings, looking like cherubs or fairies. Because of their connection to air, which is associated with the mental aspect, one of their functions is to help humans receive inspiration. The sylphs are drawn to those who use their minds, particularly those on creative arts.

Kobolds

In German (Teutonic) folklore, kobolds are spirits who dwell in mines and who like to torment humans. They are tricksters and not inherently evil. Like Robin Goodfellow, they may either help or harass humans, for unknown reasons.

In the 16th and the 17th century, they were usually depicted on paintings as little devils with a conical hat, pointy shoes, a hairy tail, and bald feet instead of hands.

In the class of fairy-like beings, they are considered to be the most dangerous and most ugly.

Another type of kobold that can be found in mines and other underground places seems to be more closely related to the gnome.
Kobolds are also found in fantasy fiction. In Dungeons & Dragons and the settings it inspired, many authors present them as aggressive humanoid creatures that are smaller than a person. They are evil creatures that dwell together with their own kind rather than in human homes. Such kobolds have an ugly presence reminiscent of a bipedal rat or dog.

SPIRITS OF WATER - undines
These beings have the longest memory of all the elementals... water HOLDS memory...

Undines remember much of true history, and a few even remember the creation of the world. Work with undines and you work with truth, loyalty, love, bonding and connection with the All... they will teach you everything you need to know about your emotions if you let them, as well as show you things that you could only begin to imagine, about both yourself and existence itself. Open your heart to them, open your wounds to them... their strength is in their healing energies - when you cry, you tap into and release these energies yourself.

BEWARE: it is easy to get addicted to water energy - take care not to drown.

sylph|id (sil'fid) n. a small or young sylph