Changelings

In this exploration of Celtic changelings and fairy folklore, we dive into the chilling mythology of supernatural infant swapping in Ireland.

First, we examine how faerie changelings were believed to infiltrate human families by replacing human babies with fairy offspring, leading to centuries of paranoid parents employing various protective measures like iron implements and father’s clothing around cribs.

The changeling stories often featured bizarre characteristics that parents were told to watch for, including unusual intelligence, razor-sharp teeth, and an inability to grow – all part of the rich tapestry of fairy kidnapping lore that permeated Irish culture.

Then, we discuss both mythological accounts and historical records, including a compelling story about a mother who used boiling eggshells to expose a fairy changeling in her home, demonstrating the deep-rooted nature of these changeling legends in Celtic tradition.