Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A–Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic - John Matthews - Страница 224

Literally ‘the Blessing of the Mothers’, the Bendith y Mamau is the name given to the fairies in Glamorganshire, South Wales. This euphemistic title was used to prevent the fairies stealing children away, but it also connects them back to earlier Celtic beliefs. From the Romano-British era onwards, in the depiction of native deities, we find the Triple Mothers, goddesses who are frequently accompanied by smaller beings attired in a hooded cloak, usually called genii cucullati (‘hooded spirits’). These are the Bendith y Mamau who come and go at the bidding of the Triple Mothers, whose blessing they bear. It is as well to be careful when speaking of them, for they cannot tolerate any disrespect towards themselves or the goddesses whom they serve. Instead of bringing a blessing, they may actively remove those things and people we love.