Fairy forts, known as “raths” or “lios” in Irish, are ancient circular earthworks or stone structures found throughout Ireland. They date from the late Iron Age, although some may have even older. They served primarily as farmsteads or defensive enclosures during a time when small communities needed protection from raiders and wild animals.
Fairy forts are circular, with earthen or stone walls surrounding a central area. The walls were often topped with wooden palisades, and the interior sometimes housed wooden dwellings. The enclosures varied in size, from small, single-family dwellings to larger communal spaces.
These forts were strategically located, often on hilltops or ridges, providing a defensive advantage. They were usually associated with farming communities, serving as homesteads where families lived and stored their livestock and crops.
Over time, as the original purposes of these structures faded from memory, they became deeply embedded in Irish folklore. They were believed to be the homes of the “Tuatha Dé Danann”, a mythical race of God-like people who, according to legend, retreated underground to live in these forts after being defeated by the ancestors of the Irish.
The forts were often considered sacred or cursed places, and disturbing them was believed to bring bad luck. Stories abound of people who attempted to plow through a fairy fort or remove a tree from one, only to suffer misfortune, illness, or even death. The association with fairies (also known as Aos Sí) became so strong that these structures were often left untouched even into modern times.
Despite superstitions, fairy forts are of significant archaeological interest. Excavations have revealed much about the daily lives of ancient Irish communities, including their farming practices, diet, and social structures. Many forts have been found to contain remnants of houses, pottery, and tools, offering insights into life during the Iron Age and early medieval period.
In modern Ireland, fairy forts remain a key symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage. They are often protected as historical monuments, and many people still treat them with a level of respect born out of tradition and folklore. The belief in fairies may have waned in recent times, but the importance of these ancient structures endures.
You can explore the wonderful world of fairies, and other magical beings in my12 Magickal Beings of the World of Humans.
留言