Trows - A Scottish Fairy Best to Avoid

Source: Orkney's Terrible Trows, The Volkisch Folkorist

It is still the dark time of the year.  Yes, we are slowly moving towards the light and Spring ... but it still seems so far away!  Especially when at a half past three in the afternoon, it can seem unusually dark and gloomy outside.

The fairies are not so different to humans and naturally can exhibit a wide array of both good and bad characteristics.  The Trow is a very old fairy (well, which of them aren't?) whom you probably will want to avoid.  He sprung to life in the Shetland and Orkney Islands, an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland.  The Viking influence may be partially at the root of his existence as he exhibits a similarity to Scandinavian trolls. 

These fellows live in the old burial grounds and it has been said they are found of music and dance.  But, they only go out into the human world under the cover of darkness (which at this time of the year is a lot) and they like to enter the villagers' homes to warm themselves by the fire.  While this may seem innocuous - beware - they are also called the "Night Creepers" or "Night Stealers" and have been known to kidnap human children ... and leave Changelings in their place.

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Bibliography:
Guide to the Fairy Ring, Anna Franklin, 2002, Llewellyn Publications
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