The Little People and Other Fairy Traditions in the Ozarks

Ozark folklore is rich with stories about the Little People, or fairies. This unique blend of Indigenous and European traditions still has an  active role in many people's lives throughout the region today. The Little People are often seen as animistic protectors of nature and cantankerous tricksters who divvy out gifts to those who are kind and curses to the foolish. In this class we will look at how this fairy lore often influences the day-to-day lives of Ozark farmers and hillfolk as well as how gifts from the Little People have created healers and other magical practitioners.

About the Presenter:

Brandon Weston is a healer, writer, and folklorist living in the Arkansas Ozarks. He is author of "Ozark Folk Magic: Plants, Prayers, and  Healing" and owner of Ozark Healing Traditions, a collective of  articles, lectures, and workshops focusing on traditions of medicine, magic, and folklore from the Ozark Mountain…