FAQs
A pixie (also called pisky, pixy, pixi, pizkie, piskie, or pigsie in parts of Cornwall and Devon) is a mythical creature of British folklore.
What is the meaning of the Cornish pixie charm? ›
Not so long ago almost every Cornish household had some kind of Pisky charm to attract the luck that the good will of the Piskies was thought to bring. This delightful little pewter Pisky charm is based on an old charm in the Museum's collection.
What are Cornish Piskies? ›
These tiny mythical creatures are thought to inhabit the vast Cornish moorland. Some believe that piskies are spirits of people who aren't bad enough for hell but aren't good enough for heaven. Others claim that they are ancient gods who have been scattered with holy water and shrank down in size.
What is the traditional Cornish pixie? ›
The Cornish piskies are said to be childlike and very mischievous. These little beings are meant to inhabit many a stone circle in the county. The Cornish piskie appear in many Cornish tale and are not to be confused with the Spriggans who have a more dangerous evil edge to them.
What does the Irish word pisky mean? ›
(ˈpɪskɪ ) nounWord forms: plural -kies. folklore. a Cornish fairy, thought to bring good luck despite being mischievous.
What is the myth of the piskie? ›
A Cornish piskie is a childlike being that can be helpful or mischievous depending on how they are treated. Piskies appear similar to spriggans, and both tend to dwell in the same locations. Spriggans appear around ancient sites, in the form of a wizened old man.
Are Cornish piskies good luck? ›
Piskies are commonly depicted hugging their knees and are sometimes shown seated on a toadstool, which avid followers of The House of Good Fortune know is itself a symbol of good luck! Cornish Piskie good luck charm, made of brass.
What is a Cornish pixie slang? ›
Cornish and west of England fairy who haunts hills, rivers, and groves, misleading lonely travellers, thus giving us the English word 'pixilated'. The older, more genuinely Cornish conception envisages a wizened old man, sometimes in a green suit, who both threshes grain and rides a horse.
What is a piskey? ›
The Piskey was a mischievous little creature, always laughing at someone or something and ready to play tricks on folk who walked home across a misty moor or along a lonely cliff path. It is said the Piskey folk have the power of being seen, heard and felt and as long as you look after them they will look after you.
Where do Cornish Piskies live? ›
Pixies are also called pixy, pixi, pizkie, piskies and pigsies. In English folklore they mostly live on the remote moors of Devon and Cornwall, which suggests the legend has Celtic origins.
Pixies eat an insectivorous diet, preferring flies, bees, ants, and similar creatures. (Nymphs eat aquatic insects.) Some cultures of pixies have even been known to eat sprites. Along with fairies, pixies form societies of their own alongside neighboring civilizations belonging to larger species.
What is a Cornish fairy called? ›
Piskeys, Night-riders and Jack 'o' Lanterns: Fairies in Cornish folklore.
What is pixie slang for? ›
a small, pert, or mischievous person.
What is the story of the Cornish Pixies? ›
The Cornish Pixies were a fairy tribe in Cornwall that were said to have been helpful yet mischievous and were often blamed for leading travellers astray. There are many tales of their origins, such as being wandering pagan souls stuck in limbo or even the un-Christened souls of babies.
What color is a Cornish pixie? ›
Electric blue, flying creatures, pixies are known for their mischievous natures and delight in playing pranks and causing havoc. Pixies are native to the South West of England, particularly Cornwall.
What are Scottish pixies called? ›
Scottish names for faeries include the Still Folk, People of Peace, The Silent Moving Folk, Pixies, The Wee Folk, and Prowlies.
Is a pixie a fairy? ›
Pixies are often described to be smaller than fairies. They have pointed ears. Pixies are said to have more magical powers such as bestowing wealth, kindness and intelligence. Pixies in folklore are often naked or poorly dressed, but in modern portrayals they often wear a green outfits and pointy hats.
What is a pixie in England? ›
pixie, in the folklore of southwestern England, tiny elflike spirit or mischievous fairy dressed in green who dances in the moonlight to the music of frogs and crickets. Its favourite pastimes are leading travelers astray and frightening young maidens.