The Mysterious Light
in the Fairy Forest
English and Spanish translations available.
About the Story
After finding the small wooden door, Charlotte and James, set off into the fairy forest to search for similar doors and get lost along the way. They see a strange glow in the distance among the trees and follow it to find a fairy named Ayla dancing and chanting by the light of the full moon. She notices the frightened children and tells them not to be afraid. She takes them by the hand and leads them out of the fairy forest back to their family who is anxiously waiting for their return.
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The stones referenced throughout the story are metaphors for permanence and strength. Ancient stones found throughout Ireland are deeply entwined with legend and folklore. Many date from neolithic time and their markings are symbolic decorations whose exact meanings are unknown. Stone markings are called petroglyphs. Many look like star-maps or dream-maps. Others have symbolic decorations such as zig-zags, meanders and concentric circles. The ambiguity of the meanings of the lines and circles that Charlotte and James encounter segue to Ayla's Chant where she pleads for the ancient stones to tell their meaning. "Oh ancient stones do tell me, the secrets you conceal. I lift my arms to heaven for promises to be revealed."
Fairies and Trees​
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In olden times, Irish believed that fairies in Ireland were neither human or ghosts, but rather natural beings with supernatural powers. They can be generous and bring good luck and fortune. But if you harm them or their property, they can be extremely vengeful. Mixing Christian dogma with older pre-Christian tradition, country people often saw fairies as fallen angels.
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The famous 20th century poet, W.B. Yeats, was drawn to mysticism, spirituality and mythology. The Stolen Child is one of his most famous poems. In this story, Ayla, leading the children out of the fairy forest alludes to this poem.
The hawthorn tree that Ayla dances around is considered a fairy bush in Ireland and according to legend, is a favorite meeting place for fairies, a belief dating back to the mist of pre-Celtic history. It is one of the most sacred trees and symbolizes love and protection. Celtic fairies are quixotic spirits to be wary of, so it is important to keep them happy. In spring when the hawthorn is in full-bloom, the belief is that the fairies are happy! To void making them angry, no Irish farmer will cut them down! Crop failures, mystery illnesses, people disappearing, and the death of livestock are all blamed on fairies seeking revenge.
Explore the Music
While planning the book, I was inspired to write my own poem and song, "Mysterious Light". You can download the sheet music and listen to the recorded song performed by singer Rosella Ewing-Terry, harpist SueAnn Reinisch, and violinist Isaac Mullet.​​
Escuchar en español
Rosella Ewing-Terry and SueAnn Reinisch performing the Spanish version of the song
Stones
The island of Ireland is scattered with prehistoric monuments, so plentiful that it's challenging to provide a complete account of the dolmens and hills. The megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, located in what is now County Meath in the Boyne Valley, were constructed around 3,200 BC, making them older than both Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The purpose of these tombs is still debated, with theories suggesting astrological spiritual, religious, and ceremonial significance. The large stones that surround and fill the Passage Tombs are adorned with Megalithic Art, featuring designs like spirals, concentric circles, triangles, and zigzags.
