In Celtic mythology and broader European folklore, a sprite is an ethereal nature spirit or a specific type of fairy associated with the natural world, particularly water and forests.
Key Characteristics and Roles
- Elemental Nature: Sprites are often classified as elemental beings. While the term is broad, they are most frequently linked to water (streams, lakes) and forests.
- Guardians of Nature: They are believed to inhabit and protect flora and fauna. Some legends credit them with changing leaf colours in autumn.
- Appearance: They are usually depicted as tiny, translucent, and ethereal humanoid creatures, often with wings. They are considered more "spirit-like" than other physical fey like gnomes.
- Behaviour: Sprites are generally reclusive and shy, avoiding human contact. While they can be playful or mischievous, they are rarely malicious unless their habitat is threatened.
Celtic Specific Variations
While "sprite" is a general European term derived from the Latin spiritus, specific Celtic creatures fit this description:
- Ghillie Dhu: A solitary Scottish forest sprite who lives in birch woods and is known for being protective of children.
- Luchorpán (Early Leprechaun): Originally described as tiny water spirits, these are the 8th-century ancestors of the modern leprechaun.
- Piskies and Pixies: Frequently appearing in Cornish and Devonian lore, these tiny, mischievous beings are closely related to the sprite category.
Distinctions from Other Fae
- Fairies (Aos Sí): In Celtic tradition, "fairy" is a broader term that can include large, powerful beings like the Tuatha Dé Danann, whereas sprites are almost always small and nature-bound.
- Nymphs: While often compared to Greek nymphs, Celtic sprites are more ethereal and less human-like in appearance, often possessing insect-like features or wings.