I’ve seen two faerie rings growing in my small town neighborhood, this week. They have always fascinated me; as a kid, having no idea about the myth behind the natural phenomenon, to me it appeared as if there was something magical about them.
I also always happened to be one of those people that loved the outdoors, and especially anything that seemed out of the ordinary in the woods. And to me-a cluster of more than three trees, anywhere, counted as the woods. On the playgrounds of my elementary school-those spindly persimmon trees felt like a grove, and the spreading oaks felt like a forest. And I always searched between tree roots and into hollow bits, looking for anything special.
If you don’t know much about faerie rings, read up on them here: https://www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-folklore/do-you-dare-enter-fairy-ring-mythical-mushroom-portals-supernatural-003677
So on Thursday, the first faerie ring I saw delighted me. It was large and spreading wide, the mushroom tops fat and almost fluffy. My attention was diverted, though, when I reached the top of the hill on the road and saw the burnt husk of a neighbor’s home. Any thoughts of magic left my mind.
The family who lived there wasn’t home at the time of the fire, thankfully, so no one was harmed. It was, however, the second tragedy taking place in their life at this time. My heart went out to them.
Then, the next day, I was startled to notice another faerie ring in a house within a half mile of the first. I’m sure this is just a random coincidence, and I haven’t been up on local news to see if any other mischief or malady has befallen more neighbors.
But of course-I, who always loved the thoughts of doorways to faerie and leaving out offerings for little people, couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like. If somewhere there was a real doorway to faerie. Would they be mean and scary enough to burn down a house? Or sweet and beautiful and playful like the ‘fairy’ tales I was sold in the late 80s and early 90s?
Here is a link to one of my favorite authors’ website, who writes an amazing urban fantasy story with terrible, beautiful fae creatures that will scare the daylights out of you, and let you fall in love. https://blackholly.com/books/tithe-modern-faerie-tale/
Have you ever seen a faerie ring yourself? Or even more interestingly, had a strange experience with one?