P

P –PHOENIX, PIXIE, PUCK

The phoenix was a bird found in many mythologies. It is a colorful fire spirit with a tail of gold and red. At the end of it’s 500-1,000 year life cycle, and builds itself a nest that ignites and burns both of them to ash where a new, young phoenix or egg will arise from. The bird’s cry is a beautiful song. It can be considered a symbol of rebirth, immortality, and renewal.

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A pixie is a mythical creature that is found in concentrations around Devon and Cornwall. There may be a Celtic origin to them. Represented by pointed ears, and frequently clothed in green and pointed hats, their eyes slant upward at the outer corners.  They can also be thought of as a fairy or sprite. 

The Swedish word pyske means “wee little fairy”, however it is not certain where the name comes from. During the Christian era it was said that pixie’s were the souls of children who had died unbaptized.

In Cornwall and Devon, before the mid-19^th century, both pixies and fairies were a serious matter. Certain locales were named after certain one’s. They are still thought to be real in areas today.

In Dartmoor, they were known to play with children, be fond of music and dancing, and to be generally helpful to humans. Even so, they were also known to mislead travelers.

The appearance of pixies varies widely from beautiful to distorted or strange. The earth or tree pixies are reputed to have heart-shaped or angular faces with strong lines and a short, stocky build, while the air and water pixies are slender and can be child-sized or very tiny. They bring blessings to those who like them.

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that shrewd and knavish sprite
Call'd Robin Goodfellow: are not you he
That frights the maidens of the villagery;
Skim milk, and sometimes labour in the quern
And bootless make the breathless housewife churn;
And sometime make the drink to bear no barm;
Mislead night-wanderers, laughing at their harm?
Those that Hobgoblin call you and sweet Puck,
You do their work, and they shall have good luck:
Are not you he?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare, Act II, Scene I

Puck was not only a character in Shakespeare’s play, he was also referred to as Robin Goodfellow, the emissary of Oberon, the Faery King, John Milton’s character in L’Allegro, and also in Goethe’s work Faust.

He has a distinct laugh of, “Ho ho ho!”

Generally thought of as a mischievous nature spirit, and a land spirit, he is known for leading people astray.

All of the above information and pictures were found at Wikipedia.