interview for my celtic studies class...

1) This is quite an obvious first question, but indulge me. Do you believe in fairies (faeries)? Why, or why not?

No - becuase i was raised to believe in angels and demons - they may take various forms, so if i saw what appeared to be fairy i would simply think of it as one of the two taking another form.

2) Even if you don't believe in fairies, do you accept the existence/possible existence of fairy creatures?

I accept there being a possibility they exist, because my God did not that they dont.

3) What do you believe a fairy is? (Describe appearance, personality, etc.)

From the stories i've heard a fairy is a tiny woodland creature, they look like humans with wings, and are mischiveous or helpful, and tend to avoid human contact.

4) In your own words, what is a fairytale?

A fairytale is a story made up for children, with a somewhat magical or highly unlikely or impossible occurances (eg. a gingerbread house, a wolf that speaks, spinning straw into gold)

5) What is your favorite fairytale? (Please provide a brief summary and explain why you like it.)

Snow White and the seven dwarfs - snow white is to be killed because her evil (cant remember if it was aunt or stepmum or what) saw her as a threat, she was hidden with seven dwarfs who looked after her, one day the evil wench realised she was alive and fed her a poison apple, she slept, and a passing prince saved her, killed the evil wench and they lived happily ever after ... i like it becuase she found love, and lived "happily ever after" and thats one of my goals.

6) When did you first become aware of fairies and fairytales? What was the story? How did you discover them (Who? Movie? Book? etc.)

I prolly read them when i was a baby, by 6 i was reading books like hardy boys and by 7 everything i could get my hands on ... never spent much time on the fairytales.

7) How has the area in which you grew up influenced your perception of fairies? What kind of area was it (rural, suburb, urban)?

In Jamaica there are no such things, rgardless of area, we have our own mythical creatures, although some (very few) believe in mermaids which is intresting becuase most creatures have african origin while i doubt mermaids do.

8) How have the people in your life influenced your perception of fairies? In what ways is your belief similar and different from theirs?

My perception has not changed ... as the people in my life have no views on the matter as it has never come up.

9) How does your culture/society view fairies and fairtales?

In Jamaican culture fairies do not exist, nor does santa claus or any of those types of things american children may believe in ... you are taught reality. As far as fairytales go they are seen as literature for young children, something to get them interested in learning to read.

10) Please state your age, country, and first name for my records.

19, Jamaica, Matthieu.

1) This is quite an obvious first question, but indulge me. Do you believe in fairies (faeries)? Why, or why not? You betcha. I was brought up with the belief, not to mention I'm pretty sure we've got a Brownie in the house.

2) Even if you don't believe in fairies, do you accept the existence/possible existence of fairy creatures?

3) What do you believe a fairy is? (Describe appearance, personality, etc.) Ahhh, little creature of varying size, appearances, and personalities. As most creatures, they have to do with different stages of life and types of life. You can get nice, pretty fairies that make you want to have a good day, or help your gardens grow or you can have funny looking little blue men who warn you about sea monsters. Nice trade-offs.

4) In your own words, what is a fairytale?I suppose generally they're early fantasy for little ones. Stories made to explain occurences, bring the magical into everyday life. They're super.

5) What is your favorite fairytale? (Please provide a brief summary and explain why you like it.) If it counts, The Paper Bag Princess. She's just an awesomely strong heroine and it's a nice and fresh story. I count some of Terri Prachetts work as fairytales, too. Like "The Wee Free Men."

6) When did you first become aware of fairies and fairytales? What was the story? How did you discover them (Who? Movie? Book? etc.)I was raised with fairytales - I probably learned my first language from them, and they're undoubtably what I learned to read from. We were always encouraged to be adventurous and imaginative kids, so that certainly contributed. And I spent enough time running amock in gardens and woods to know what's up.

7) How has the area in which you grew up influenced your perception of fairies? What kind of area was it (rural, suburb, urban)?I actually grew up in a heavily urban setting, but spent a lot of time at my grandparents, which were full of gardens and such. I think fairies rock the inner-city, too. They have no fear.

8) How have the people in your life influenced your perception of fairies? In what ways is your belief similar and different from theirs? Ahh, mostly I'm around people who believe in them and that just leads to furthered, unquestioned believe. I let those who don't believe to themselves, mostly. Just wait til they get a brownie in the house! Boy will they believe then. Those guys are feisty.

9) How does your culture/society view fairies and fairtales? Culture - fairy tales are big. Belief in fairies, not so big.

10) Please state your age, country, and first name for my records. Lydia, 18, USA.