Malevolent Fairies

For centuries, fairies have been portrayed as gentle, enchanting beings—guardians of nature, symbols of beauty, and bearers of light. Yet long before these softer tales took hold, older traditions warned of something far more unsettling: malevolent fairies, unpredictable and dangerous, who move unseen between our world and theirs. In Malevolent Fairies, Matthew Holt uncovers the darker truths hidden within ancient Celtic and European folklore. Through detailed accounts, historical records, and psychological interpretation, this book explores encounters with fairies who deceive, punish, and abduct. From changeling legends and stolen voices to timeless vanishings and encounters in modern landscapes, each chapter reveals a chilling layer of belief that continues to echo across centuries. Richly researched and vividly written, Malevolent Fairies invites readers to step beyond myth and into the shadows of old Europe, where beauty and terror intertwine. These tales serve as caution, reflection, and reminder—of the thin veil between our world and theirs, and of the unseen forces that dwell just beyond sight. Step lightly, speak softly, and never forget: the fair folk do not forgive.