My previous posts spoke mostly of goblins, but they are not the only ones you’ll meet in the story of Lumina and the Goblin King. There are also other fairies and elementals that play a part.
The four (sometimes five) elements have long played a part in ancient folklore and alchemy, and elementals were often seen as the embodiment of these elements.
Salamanders are often associated with fire in classical folklore. Usually, they are pictured very much the same as your regular, every-day salamanders, looking not much different than the one you might find in your backyard. However, in folklore they could not be harmed by fire and it was believed that they could even control or start fires. – I will admit, I took great liberties with them in my story.
Sylphs are another such elemental. Invisible beings with an affinity for air, I have always pictured them as whimsical and easily distracted. It isn’t hard picturing the riding on the winds as they race over the earth.
Nixies are not elementals, but they are water spirits generally found in Germanic folklore. There are a variety of names for them: neck, nicor, nokk, nix, nixy, nokken… just to name a few. They are said to be shapeshifters and are sometimes pictured as having a tail, much like mermaids, or having feet like a frog. When in her human form, a Nixy can often be recognized by the wet hem of her dress.
Truthfully, you will find spirits in many things as you explore myths and folklore. Trees, for example, have been held as sacred since early times. Elder, oak, thorn, and ash; willow, rowan, apple and hazel; each of these trees, and many more besides, are considered to be the haunts of fairies or to have spirits of their own. Each one comes with its own set of rules and warnings. In Lumina and the Goblin King, the Rowan Maiden is just such a spirit, living in harmony with her rowan tree, and changing with the seasons as he does.
To be honest, I am immensely excited to have you meet them all. I hope when you read Lumina’s story (or the silver cat’s, depending on who you ask) it sparks a little of your curiosity, and you find yourself wanting to explore more of the folklore which makes our world so rich.
Until next time…
Idyll Dreams & Nonsensical Things 