Something shimmering on the river’s surface. Pause before rushing to inspect what it is. First, consider the shapeshifting malicious faeries who live in the deepest depths of our lakes and rivers.
The Dracae
Possible French, English and Scottish Roots
Water Fairy/ Elemental
Alternative Spellings:
Dracae (plural), Dracs (pl.), Drac (singular)
A Few Fae similar to the Dracae:
Nix or Nixie
Well-Known For:
Floating wooden or golden bowls, requiring seven years of service after abducting curious young children or nursing mothers
As the Stories Go
As the stories go, women out tending to their washing in the river might catch a glimmer of something floating on the water’s surface. A golden ring, or in some stories a wooden bowl. A shiny jewel could tempt their eye, shimmering just under the surface of the water near their work. If these women, or their children, were to fall prey to their curiosity the Dracae would make their move.
What are the Dracae?
They are water spirits who venture from their homes in search of people to enslave. Women with new babes are a favourite victim of the Dracae since they are able to feed and care for the Dracae offspring. Children too, for they are likely good company. They entice innocents to the water’s edge with shiny baubles. Just a little closer… In the blink of an eye, they shift to their true form and grab hold of their victim. Once in their clutches, it’s down to the depths where they’ll be put to work raising the next generation of Dracae. Is it a comfort to know this fairy does not kill their victims? Only those incautious enough to grab a gift from the Dracae can really decide. For the next seven years, they’ll be beholden to the Dracae and their brood. Perhaps in the future, a good bit of caution is advised when finding trinkets along the shore.