Tradition: English Mythology
Alternative Names: Pisky, Pixy, Pixi, Pizkie, Piskie, Pigsie
Category: Fairy
The Myth
Pixies were small, mischievous supernatural beings of British folklore, particularly associated with the moorlands, hills, ancient stones and remote countryside of Cornwall and Devon. They were generally described as short, childlike creatures who enjoyed dancing, wrestling and playing outdoors through the night. They were also closely connected with ancient places such as stone circles, barrows, dolmens, ringforts and standing stones, where they were believed to dwell beneath the earth. Traditional pixies were often poorly dressed or wrapped in ragged clothing, quite different from the green clothes and pointed hats later given to them in popular imagery. They were usually friendly towards people who treated them well, but could also play tricks, mislead travellers and punish those who neglected or offended them.
The pixies of Dartmoor were particularly famous for their tricks and their relationship with horses. They could disguise themselves as bundles of rags to lure children, while at night they rode Dartmoor ponies for pleasure and sometimes tangled their manes into mysterious knots. They could also help humans, especially people in need, with household work and other tasks. Yet travellers who encountered them risked becoming “pixy-led,” wandering away from the path after being confused by the spirits. A traditional way of breaking this enchantment was to turn one’s coat inside out. Pixies could also reward kindness and consideration with good fortune, while neglecting them could bring trouble.
Many local legends preserve the playful and mysterious nature of the pixies. At Trevose Head in Cornwall, hundreds were said to gather in a circle to dance and laugh until one named Omfra lost his laugh. He searched through the ancient barrows of Cornwall and crossed the waters of Dozmary Pool before King Arthur, appearing in the form of a chough, restored it to him. Other traditions tell of pixies inhabiting caves and hidden places, fighting with fairies, helping widows, or occasionally leading people astray. They were sometimes believed to have a connection with human beings or to represent an ancient race of small people, while other traditions treated them as supernatural spirits. Whatever their origin, the pixies remained deeply tied to the wild landscapes of Cornwall and Devon, appearing as playful helpers one moment and troublesome spirits the next.
Sources
“Pixie.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 4, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixie