Folklore Fairy Rings

In tyrol folklore attributed fairy rings to the fiery tails of flying dragons.

Folklore fairy rings. Don t ever step into a fairy ring. A mushroom ring in the woods. Fairy rings have other names. Fairy rings have an historical mythical reputation as revealed by the folklore and warnings surrounding them around the globe but especially in western europe.

There are many many fairy ring mushroom stories in english and celtic folklore. The legends warn against humans disrupting or joining the dance lest they be punished. Sorcerers or witches rings. European superstitions routinely warned against entering a fairy ring.

The fairy ring mushroom marasmius oreades is an edible species that forms rings and is most commonly associated with fairy rings but many mushrooms can form this growth pattern if conditions are right kuo 2003 other species that frequently form rings include the giant funnel mushroom leucopaxillus giganteus the field mushroom agaricus campestris and the poisonous false parasol. The folklore surrounding these strange circles can be found in many cultures each with slightly different variations. Folklore tells us that cultures across europe have traditionally believed that fairy rings are the dwelling place of fairies elves witches and for thousands of years peoples of various cultures have regarded fairy rings with a strong sense of curiosity and fear believing them to be mystical supernatural places. Once a dragon had created such a circle nothing but toadstools could grow there for seven years.

Alison chaiken flickr cc by sa 2 0.