The Fairies That Replace Humans
A brief history of changelings
Have you ever seen a parent look at their child with amazement? Not because they are in awe that they created another human being, but because they are sure that the child in the crib is not their child? Perhaps you awkwardly laughed and inquired what else it could be, only to be told that it was a changeling
You are unlikely to experience this situation with any of your friends today. However, throughout the Middle Ages until the mid-19th century, stories of changelings were quite common. Many readily believed that an unusual baby might actually be such a creature.
What is a changeling?
A changeling is most often referring to a fairy who is swapped in to replace a human baby. The mortal child is taken back to the realm of the fairies to be raised and put to work, while the creature left behind usually sickens and dies. Though some may live into adulthood, they are always thought to be strange by the locals.
