The Korrigans are female fairies or dwarf-like spirits from Breton folklore, primarily known as the "Shadow Maidens of Brittany" for their dual nature as beautiful, golden-haired maidens by night and hideous hags by day. Their name derives from the Breton word korr, meaning "dwarf" or "small".
Korrigans are often described with contradictory traits depending on the tale.
- Appearance: By night or dusk, they appear as lovely young women with long, flowing golden hair and flashing red eyes. They are often seen by wells and springs, singing and combing their hair, like sirens. By day, however, their beauty fades, revealing a more grotesque form with wrinkled skin and white hair, so they avoid being seen during daylight hours.
- Abilities: They can predict the future, change shape, and move with lightning speed. They are also associated with powers of illusion, sometimes transforming a forest dwelling into a luxurious castle to trap a traveller.
- Origin: In Christian folklore, it is said they were once important princesses or pagan druidesses who refused to convert when the apostles came to Brittany and were cursed by God to wander the earth.
- Habitat: They are closely associated with ancient, sacred pagan sites, such as wells, fountains, rivers, dolmens (ancient stone tombs), and menhirs (standing stones), especially in the mythical forest of Brocéliande.
Interactions with Humans
Korrigans are generally considered mischievous, impish, or even malicious beings.
- Luring Men: They are famous for luring men with their enchanting beauty and songs. Men who become infatuated with them are drawn to a watery death or are made to forget their former lives and perish for love of the Korrigan.
- Hatred of Christianity: They hold a strong animosity towards Christian symbols, fleeing at the sight of a priest or the sound of church bells, and particularly despising the Virgin Mary. Saturdays, the day dedicated to Mary, are a particularly dangerous time to encounter them.
- Changelings: A common myth is that Korrigans steal human infants and replace them with a "changeling"—an ugly, constantly hungry Korrigan child.
- Samhain: The night of October 31st (Samhain or All Soul's Night) is a time when they are especially active, gathering near dolmens to lure victims to the Otherworld.
If one encounters a Korrigan, scattering small objects like coins or beads can provide a momentary distraction, as they have an obsessive compulsion to count or tidy them, allowing for a quick escape