an introduction

northern faerie

a mischevious, magical being native to northern england, the northern faerie embodies the struggle between dark and light and can also be regarded as belonging to the sub-category of shapeshifter. most often, the northern faerie is a peaceful and free-floating faerie in the classic sense of the word. typically of human, female form, this being lives truly in the moment. as she flies from place to place living in an imagined world of words and enjoying dancing and hedonism, she balances this with fresh air and positive contributions to the world around her. though the word faerie may suggest airy, this being's anti-beliefs run far deeper than flimsy niceties. a patron of both the arts and nature, she has been said to visit those struck with creative block or lost in the wilderness, in order to provide inspiration or comfort in their hour of need.

unfortunately, the northern faerie can become malevolent at times, morphing into an alternate version which is somewhat akin to the boggart. in this form the northern faerie's perspective becomes skewed, as she haunts wells, under bridges and inhabits households, with the sole intention of terrorising passersby or inhabitants. once the haunting of a particular place has begun, this faerie is notoriously difficult to get rid of. at such times she must never be named, for when she is named the northern faerie can quickly become an even more uncontrollable and destructive influence. these episodes usually occur around the time of the full moon, when people are warned to steer clear of the northern faerie. during these times, this faerie can be recognised by her short arms and legs and gremlin-like features.

distinctly northern and down to earth in nature, the northern faerie faerie is a mixed bag. her already difficult quest for balance, inner peace and positive relationship with the world is made nigh-on inachievable by the complications caused by her malevolent, inner boggart. however - the northern faerie will never give up hope that this is possible and continues to visualise a peaceful and loving future for all.

northern faerie tales

beginning as a forum for my words and wondering, northern faerie tales is about utilising freedom of creative expression - whether the result is considered crap or incredible - as an assistive mode of navigation through the ever-changing journey of life. write, read and rediscover the world of the imaginary, whilst keeping one foot on the floor of the illusion we call reality. whilst not subscribing to any one particular religion, ideology or school of thought, i take much comfort from the the belief that contentment lies (as the old prayer says) in;

the serenity to change the things we can,
to accept the things we cannot
and the wisdom to know the difference.

so please accept and challenge your inner boggart, and make the most of the small beauties that each day has to offer. watch always for the middle way, and remember, that my words begin in specificity but their aims are universal.

composed of poems, philosophical rambling and linguistic pottering, northern faerie tales hopes to express the contradictions inherent in the patchwork of human existence. we are all lost souls, searching for something. this 'something' could most accurately be described as the elusive state of contentment.

in this essential way, we are all one, and so, my thoughts reach out to all those who are subject to this search and the frailties of a less-than-divine existence. please gather together to embrace the un-knowing, be you northern faerie, southern monkey, bearded woman or chinese dragon.

practise the (anti)knowledge that we are but waifs and strays afloat on the unpredictable sea of a wondrous, yet sometimes apparently nonsensical, world. continue searching for truth, but be simultaneously content in the wisdom of uncertainty.

with peace in my heart and lost thoughts in my soul, but mostly with love,

ishbel malishbell (a northern faerie).