The fairies of Brittany are not known as either “the good people” , “the wee folk,” or by other endearing names. Indeed they seem to be among the meanest and most malignant of Europe. They are cold and hostile, and vent their displeasure at being interrupted in their activities by humans in a most vindictive manner. This may be seen as a reflection of the poverty of the region, or as the heavy handed rule of the Church trying to rid the land of the deities of a discredited native religion. Nearly all of the fairies are female, mean and nasty.
Mary Morgans are half mermaid, and half siren, luring sailors to their deaths with golden hair and sweet voices. (There is one interesting tale of a male Mary Morgan, who lures a beautiful young girl into the sea to be his bride.)
Korrigans are dark fairies associated with water in some form-fountains, well or springs. They appear sometimes as an old hag, a small goblin-like creature, or an alluring woman.
Nains are nasty creatures with feline claws. They are found in dolmans or ruined tombs, sometimes guarding treasures or luring humans with false gold.
Night Washers are evil spirits who wash the linens of the dead in streams. They call out to passers-by for help, and if they are refused drag the person into the stream and break his arms.
The Mouriche is a malicious demon who is able to transform itself into any kind of animal. Children are told “Be good now, the Mouriche is coming!”
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