A far darrig or fear dearg is a

faerie Fairyland (''Faerie'', Scottish ''Elfame'', c.f. Old Norse '' Álfheimr'') in English and Scottish folklore is the fabulous land or abode of fairies or ''fays''. Old French (Early Modern English ) referred to an illusion or enchantment, the land ...

Irish mythology Irish mythology is the body of myths native to the island of Ireland. It was originally passed down orally in the prehistoric era, being part of ancient Celtic religion. Many myths were later written down in the early medieval era by Ch ...

. The name ''far darrig'' is an Anglophone pronunciation of the

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

words ''fear dearg'', meaning ''Red Man'', as the far darrig is said to wear a red coat and cap. They are also sometimes known as ''Rat Boys'' as they are said to be rather fat, have dark, hairy skin, long snouts and skinny tails. According to ''Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry'', the far darrig is classified as a solitary fairy along with the

leprechaun A leprechaun ( ga, leipreachán/luchorpán) is a diminutive supernatural being in Irish folklore, classed by some as a type of solitary fairy. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. ...

and the

clurichaun The clurichaun () or clúrachán (from ga, clobhair-ceannW. B. Yeats, Yeats, W. B. (1888). ''Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry''. London: Walter Scott. p. 80.) is a mischievous fairy in Irish mythology, Irish folklore known for his g ...

, all of whom are "most sluttish, slouching, jeering, mischievous phantoms". The far darrig in particular is described as one who "busies himself with practical joking, especially with gruesome joking". One example of this is replacing babies with

changeling A changeling, also historically referred to as an auf or oaf, is a human-like creature found in folklore throughout Europe. A changeling was believed to be a fairy that had been left in place of a human (typically a child) stolen by other fairi ...

s. They are also said to have some connection to nightmares.

References

Aos Sí Fairies Fantasy creatures Irish folklore Irish legendary creatures Scottish mythology Tuatha Dé Danann Leprechaun {{Celt-myth-stub

See also

References