Michael Davis
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are mainly found in forested areas but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. These rings are associated with folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. Legends say that stepping into a fairy ring can lead to becoming trapped, invisibility, or even time stopping—with some never returning at all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formation | Naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms |
| Diameter | Small to 600 metres |
| Location | Forested areas, grasslands, rangelands |
| Grass | Dead grass or ring of dark green grass |
| Folklore | Portals to another world, dinner tables for fairies, signs of good luck, signs of an underground fairy village, hazardous or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil |
| Consequences of stepping into a ring | Becoming invisible, becoming trapped, being transported to the fairy realm, being lost to time and place, disappearing forever, ageing differently from the rest of the world |
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What You'll Learn
Fairy rings are portals to another world
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. These rings can grow to be quite large, with some reaching diameters of up to 600 meters.
Fairy rings are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often seen as magical or hazardous places linked with witches, the Devil, or supernatural creatures. One widespread belief is that fairy rings are portals to another world, serving as gateways between the fairy realm and our world. Legends warn that stepping into a fairy ring can have dire consequences, such as becoming trapped in the fairy realm or experiencing the loss of time.
In Scotland, it is believed that fairies use the mushrooms as tables during their celebrations. Meanwhile, Welsh folklore suggests that the rings signify an underground fairy village and are associated with fertility and good fortune. According to a 19th-century English tale, a mortal can observe the fairies without fear if a friend places their foot on that of the person stepping beyond the circle's perimeter.
The scientific explanation for fairy rings involves the growth of fungi underground. The fungus sprouts small threads called mycelium in a circular shape, and the mushrooms eventually pop up at the edge of the circle. This growth can deplete the soil of nutrients, causing plant discoloration and affecting the growth of surrounding vegetation.
Despite the scientific understanding of their formation, fairy rings continue to capture the imagination of people worldwide, with their mysterious appearance and rich folklore associated with fairies and other supernatural beings.
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They are hazardous and linked with witches or the Devil
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. These rings are often associated with folklore and myths, especially in Western Europe, where they are seen as either hazardous or linked with witches or the Devil.
The belief that fairy rings are hazardous or linked to dark forces has been passed down through generations. In the past, people believed that stepping into a fairy ring could lead to becoming trapped, invisible, or transported to the fairy realm, never to return. Some legends assert that investigating a fairy ring is dangerous and that one must never step into the circle. It is believed that fairies or supernatural creatures inhabit these rings and that they serve as portals to another world.
In Germany, these rings are called "witches' rings" and are believed to be most active on Walpurgisnacht, the eve of April 30, when witches hold celebrations. The belief that fairy rings are linked to witches or supernatural forces is also reflected in the name "sorcerers' rings," which is used in France. Legends and folklore warn of the consequences of interfering with fairies, including stepping into their rings, as it can lead to becoming enticed into their realm and losing track of time in the human world.
The scientific explanation for fairy rings involves the growth of fungi underground, creating circular shapes and affecting the grass in the area. However, the sudden appearance of these rings has fueled myths and legends, with people attributing their formation to shooting stars, lightning strikes, or the work of witches. The connection between fairy rings and witches or supernatural forces has been a persistent belief throughout history, contributing to the perception of these rings as hazardous and mysterious places.
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They are formed by shooting stars or lightning strikes
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. Legends say that they are portals to another world, or simply dinner tables for fairies. They are believed to bring good luck and are a sign of an underground fairy village.
One myth surrounding these fairy rings is that they are formed by shooting stars or lightning strikes. Other legends say that they are caused by fairies or elves dancing, especially on moonlit nights. The sudden appearance of the rings in the morning was seen as evidence of a dance the night before. These beliefs persisted into the 19th century, along with the warnings to not step into a fairy circle, for fear of being transported to the fairy realm.
The scientific explanation for fairy rings is that they are caused by an individual fungus growing underground. The fungus sprouts lots of small threads, called mycelium, in a circular shape. Over time, as the fungus grows and seeks food underground, the fairy ring becomes stable and can grow to a large diameter.
Despite the scientific explanation, the myths and legends surrounding fairy rings persist, and many people still believe that stepping into one should be avoided.
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Dancing in a fairy ring may cause you to get lost in time and place
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. These rings are associated with folklore and myths worldwide, especially in Western Europe, where they are considered either hazardous or a sign of good fortune.
Dancing in a fairy ring is believed by some to cause temporal and spatial disorientation, leading to individuals becoming lost in time and place. This belief is prevalent in various tales and superstitions. One Irish folktale recounts a girl's encounter with fairies dancing within a ring. Enticed to join them, she danced for what felt like a short while before returning home, only to discover that twenty years had passed in her absence. Similarly, the tale of Thomas the Rhymer narrates how Thomas encountered the Fairy Queen and lived in fairyland for seven years, yet upon his return, he discovered that only seven hours had passed in the mortal realm.
The sudden appearance of fairy rings, sometimes seemingly overnight, has long been a source of fascination and mystery. In the past, people attributed these circles to the supernatural, believing them to be created by fairies dancing or the work of witches. Over time, scientific explanations have emerged, revealing that fairy rings are formed by the growth patterns of underground fungi.
Despite the scientific understanding of their formation, fairy rings continue to hold cultural significance, and some people still adhere to the superstitions surrounding them. Dancing in a fairy ring may be seen as a taboo, and individuals may choose to avoid it out of respect for traditional beliefs or for personal safety, even in modern times.
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Fairy rings are caused by an individual fungus growing underground
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are mainly found in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. These rings can grow quite large, with some reaching up to 600 metres in diameter.
The sudden appearance of these rings has sparked various myths and superstitions around the world, particularly in Western Europe. Some legends warn against stepping into a fairy ring, as it is believed to be hazardous and may cause one to become trapped or invisible. Other folklore suggests that running around the fairy ring nine times will allow you to hear fairies dancing and frolicking underground.
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Frequently asked questions
A fairy ring, also known as a fairy circle, elf circle, elf ring or pixie ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms.
Legends say that stepping into a fairy ring can cause you to become invisible, get trapped forever, or be transported to the fairy realm for an unknown amount of time.
Fairy rings are caused by an individual fungus growing underground. The fungus sprouts lots of small threads, called mycelium, in a circular shape. A year later, the mushrooms pop up out of the ground at the edge of the circle, creating the fairy ring.
Fairy rings are found mainly in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They have been spotted in Europe, Africa, and North America.
One Irish folktale talks of a girl who was on her way home when she heard music and saw a group of fairies dancing. They beckoned her to dance with them and she stepped inside the fairy ring. She danced for a while and then left, only to find that 20 years had passed on Earth.
