Christianity Drives Out The Faeries

Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, ‘the Wife of Bath’s Tale’ 14th century:

“In the days of King Arthur, Britain was full of fairies. The elf queen danced in meadows with her companions. This is what I read, anyway. Now, no one sees elves any more, because of the prayers of friars. These friars search all over the land, blessing every building and house, with the result that there are no more fairies. Where elves used to walk, the friar himself now goes at all times of the day, saying his prayers. Women can walk anywhere they want without fearing anyone but the friar, who will only dishonour them, rather than beget demon children upon them.”

Excerpt from ‘Farewell, Rewards, and Fairies’ by Bishop Richard Corbet, 16th century:

“By which we note the Fairies

Were of the old Profession.

Their songs were ‘Ave Mary’s’,

Their dances were Procession.

But now, alas, they all are dead;

Or gone beyond the seas;

Or farther for Religion fled;

Or else they take their ease.”