|
After growing up with stories of leprechauns hoarding gold at the end of a rainbow, it was difficult for me to come to grips with Yeats' idea of the little people, who would steal young woman and keep them dancing all night, returning them to their husbands--if at all--in a state not fit for anything. But at least I had that before meeting Cornish pixies, or piskies, as they are more often called in Cornwall. And Devon, for that matter.
Pixies are not universally jovial, like U.S. cartoon leprechauns. In fact, they are downright difficult to deal with. One must honor them, often with a small gift or token of esteem. If one does it right, though, all manner of good can be provided by the clever little invisible folks.
Of course, to some they are visible, or how would an artist have created the little band of pixies on this wall in Polperro? Among them are my favorite, Billy Bucca. Buccas, according to a card accompanying the Billy Bucca that sits near my computer, are renowned for guiding miners to wealth by tapping on the sides of the mine. Miners who followed the sounds would likely find the richest veins.
Sounds all right to me! And it also sounds like a variation of the leprechaun legend, but a bit more useful all around if it is actually true. Cornwall and Devon are both littered with mines, tin being a major ore, but gold also being found within the earth beneath the two counties in times of yore.
I'll hedge my bets. I've got another Billy Bucca in the house, as well as a Nicky Nan. Nicky is a Knocker, a race like that Buccas that will lead miners to wealth, treated properly. I've got a nameless garden pixie from Devon in a potted plant.
If you'd like to hedge your bets, too--couldn't hurt! especially now--click the link below for a treasure trove of pixies for purchase.
Laura Harrison McBride
|
|
