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Changelings
Fairies steal human babies, leaving sickly fairy children in their place. The changeling cries constantly, eats voraciously, and never thrives. Ancient methods to reveal or expel them were often terrible.
Ancient - Present
Europe
1000+ witnesses
Changelings are creatures from European folklore—fairy children secretly swapped for human babies.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Changelings:
- Are fairy children
- Left in place of stolen human babies
- The fairies want human children
- The changeling is often sickly
- Ancient beliefs led to tragedy
Signs of a Changeling
Parents suspected changelings when babies:
- Cried constantly
- Ate but never grew
- Had wizened features
- Showed unusual intelligence
- Failed to thrive
Why Fairies Swap Children
Theories include:
- Human children strengthen fairy bloodlines
- Fairies lack ability to nurse
- Human children serve as servants
- Fairies simply covet human babies
- Payment of a tithe to Hell
Methods to Expose Changelings
Traditional tests:
- Brewing in eggshells (surprises the changeling)
- Threatening to throw in fire
- Leaving on hillside overnight
- Beating with switches
- Making it laugh or speak
Historical Tragedy
Belief in changelings led to:
- Child abuse and neglect
- Children killed by “tests”
- The Bridget Cleary case (1895)
- Explanation for disabilities
- A dark chapter of folklore
Protection
To prevent fairy swaps:
- Iron objects in cradle
- Father’s clothes on baby
- Open scissors above cradle
- Baptism as soon as possible
- Never leave baby unattended