Understanding “Away With The Fairies”
The phrase “away with the fairies” conjures a vivid image of someone lost in thought, detached from reality, and perhaps a little impractical. It describes a state of dreamy distraction, a tendency to be lost in fantasy or imagination, or simply a lack of focus. While seemingly lighthearted, the phrase carries nuances that reveal a lot about perception, reality, and the human tendency to escape the mundane.
Origin of “Away With The Fairies”
The roots of “away with the fairies” lie deep within Celtic folklore, specifically the traditions of Scotland and Ireland. For centuries, these cultures believed in the existence of fairies – powerful, often mischievous beings who inhabited a parallel world. It was believed fairies could ‘steal’ people away, not physically, but spiritually, leading them into enchanted realms where time and reason lost their meaning. This ‘taking’ wasn’t necessarily malicious; it could be a result of being lured by beautiful music, captivating stories, or simply wandering too close to fairy rings (circles of mushrooms believed to be gateways to the fairy realm).
The earliest documented instance of the phrase appears in a letter written by Scottish poet and courtier William Drummond of Hawthornden in 1636. He writes of the “Fairy Queen” bewitching many, leading people to “dance with the fairies.” This establishes the link between fairies and a kind of captivated, almost trance-like state. The phrase gained wider circulation through oral tradition before appearing in print again much later. A notable instance is its use in an Irish story recounted in the Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle (New Zealand) in 1909, where it was used to suggest someone had vanished rather than been killed. This illustrates a shift in usage, from a literal belief in fairy abduction to a figurative description of absentmindedness or daydreaming.
Analysis of the Phrase in Literature
The phrase “away with the fairies” thrives in literature because it’s a potent shorthand for a complex psychological state. Authors use it to characterize individuals who are creative, eccentric, or simply out of touch with conventional reality. It can be used affectionately, to describe a lovable dreamer, or critically, to depict someone unreliable or impractical. The effectiveness lies in its evocative imagery – the whimsical, otherworldly quality of fairies instantly conjures a sense of escape and unreality.
Example #1: Douglas McClarty – “Away With The Fairies” (Poem)
If you put an ear
to this ancient ground
You might just hear
a mystical sound
Only on nights
when there’s a full moon
They will play and sing
their haunting tune…
McClarty’s poem directly engages with the folklore underpinning the phrase. The poem creates an atmosphere of enchantment, suggesting that those who listen to the fairies are susceptible to their magic. While not explicitly stating someone is “away with the fairies,” the poem establishes a world where being drawn to the fairy realm is a very real possibility. It hints at the allure – and potential danger – of abandoning oneself to imagination. The poem’s structure mirrors the intoxicating rhythm of fairy music, drawing the reader into the same state of dreamy distraction.
Example #2: Tom Rosenthal – “Away With The Fairies” (Song Lyrics)
I love her and she loves me and we love everybody
From Tintin to Tarzan except for Robert Mugabe
We dance along and sing along in high grass and daisies
And everybody knows we’re away with the fairies.
Rosenthal uses the phrase ironically. The lyrics depict a couple immersed in a world of boundless love and whimsical joy, contrasting with the pointed exclusion of Robert Mugabe. The phrase “away with the fairies” isn’t describing a dreamy detachment, but a deliberate rejection of cynicism and a celebration of naive optimism. It’s a playful admission that they choose to live in a fantasy, embracing a worldview untainted by harsh realities. The repetition emphasizes the intentionality of their escapism.
Example #3: Zoë Marriott – Away With The Fairies: Living between Two Worlds (Non-Fiction)
When you hear the expression ‘Away with the fairies’, you imagine someone rather useless… Someone – if we’re not being polite – a bit batty. It’s a description that’s been attached to me all my life…
Marriott’s use of the phrase is confessional. She directly addresses the negative connotations often associated with being “away with the fairies” – incompetence, eccentricity, even mental instability. However, she frames this as a lifelong characteristic, suggesting it’s not a flaw but an integral part of her identity. This self-awareness allows her to explore the complexities of living between two worlds, the pragmatic demands of everyday life and the pull of her own vivid imagination. It’s a powerful reclamation of a phrase often used dismissively.
Example #4: J. McKeaveney – (Fiction excerpt)
“No”, said Sean quietly, “because you’re away with the fairies and I thought it would remind you of where you come from.” Rosie did not know what to say… “I am not away with fairies!” she exclaimed…
Here, the phrase is used as a pointed critique of Rosie’s character. Sean uses it to imply she’s unrealistic and disconnected from practical concerns. This creates conflict and tension, as Rosie vehemently denies the accusation. The dialogue highlights the subjective nature of the phrase, what one person perceives as charming eccentricity, another might see as a debilitating flaw. It also emphasizes the potential for the phrase to be used as a form of social control, subtly dismissing or invalidating someone’s perspective.
Beyond the Literature: Nuances and Modern Usage
While rooted in folklore, “away with the fairies” has evolved in its meaning and application. Today, it’s often used playfully to describe someone who is simply distracted, forgetful, or lost in thought. It can also be used to affectionately tease a friend or loved one who is prone to daydreaming. However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for the phrase to be perceived negatively, particularly if used to dismiss someone’s ideas or invalidate their experiences.
Interestingly, the phrase has also taken on a metaphorical meaning in discussions of creativity and innovation. Being “away with the fairies” can be seen as a necessary state for generating new ideas and exploring unconventional solutions. The ability to disconnect from established norms and embrace imagination is often essential for breakthroughs in art, science, and technology.
Ultimately, “away with the fairies” remains a vibrant and evocative phrase, rich in cultural history and psychological nuance. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the timeless human desire to escape the ordinary and embrace the magic of the imagination.