Pixie

What it is

A pixie is a creature from British folklore, often described as small, childlike, and mischievous. These sprites are linked to the high moorlands of Cornwall and Devon. Traditional stories portray them as generally benign but prone to playful tricks. They are considered part of the broader fairy mythology of the region.

Where it comes from

The word pixie likely has Celtic roots, though its exact origin is debated. Some suggest a link to the Swedish pyske, but this is disputed due to lack of Nordic records in southwest Britain. The belief may pre-date Christianity in Britain. Similar beings exist in Irish, Manx, Welsh, and Breton cultures, such as the Aos Sí and korrigan.

Peoples and places

Pixies are primarily associated with Cornwall and Devon, where they are known as piskies. The term also appears in Dorset, Somerset, Sussex, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. In west Penwith, spriggans are distinguished by their malevolent nature, while knockers are linked to tin mining. The Pobel Vean, or Little People, is a collective name used in some areas.

What people believe

Pixies are believed to live in ancient underground sites like stone circles, barrows, dolmens, ringforts, and menhirs. They are fond of dancing and wrestling outdoors at night. Victorian depictions added pointed ears and green clothing, but older lore describes them wearing ragged bundles discarded for new clothes. They are sometimes seen as souls of unbaptised children.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Scholars note that Victorian ideas about pixies were influenced by contemporary fiction and poetry. Some researchers linked them to the Pictish people, but this view is largely discredited. Thomas Keightley suggested that much of Devon pixie mythology originated from broader fairy myths. The connection to human nature distinguishes them from other spirit forces in some discussions.

Compare and confuse

Pixies are similar to Irish Aos Sí and Scottish fairies but are distinct in their regional myths. They differ from spriggans, which are malevolent, and knockers, who are tied to mining. Victorian poets often portrayed them as magical beings capable of healing or winning hearts, blending folklore with literary imagination.

Questions people ask about Pixie

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Pixie on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data