January 2025

Fairie Queens - Notes in Progress

The Queen of Elphame

Often cited in Scottish folklore - Tam Lin, Thomas the Rhymer et al - & described in Scottish witch trials - Andro Man, Isobel Gowdie, Bessie Dunlop.

Fair complexion, red hair, "peerlessly beautiful".  Clad in green or white, riding white horse or accompanied by white deer.

Uses physical attractions to entrance human men (often poets) & bind them to her, usually with their consent & for agreed period.  Also abducts women as nursemaids for her children.


 

Nicnevin/NicNemhain