Ielle

Ielle literally means “they:” it’s a euphemistic name for extremely beautiful but potentially dangerous Fairies. The Ielle dance in the forest dressed in white. Irodeasa is their leader. The Ielle cause storms, illness, and general mischief. They lead people deep into forests where they become fatally lost. They can also proffer favours, blessings, and valuable gifts, if they choose.

It is unclear whether the Ielle were always malevolent or whether they are now resentful toward people who once worshipped and propitiated them (and danced with them!) but stopped following conversion to Christianity. Allegedly the Ielle and Irodeasa still dance with witches in the forest.

The Ielle are sometimes called Rusalii, the rose Fairies. The same name is also given to similar female nature spirits in Balkan countries: it’s unclear whether they are all the same type of spirit or whether they just share a name.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Rusalii

ORIGIN:

Romania

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Witches, sorceresses, shamans

Flower:

Rose

COLOUR:

White

ALTAR:

Bring offerings for the Ielle to a forest, lake, well, spring or crossroads after dark. Place offerings atop a clean, white cloth, which serves as a temporary altar.

OFFERINGS:

Milk and white foods like eggs or white cheese.

SEE ALSO:

• Romanian Mythology
• Fairy
• Irodeasa

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.