Samhain Faerie Tales
caught a forest faerie who offered to grant him one wish in exchange for freedom.
The man, being a lover of music and dance, wished for the ability to play any musical instrument. The faerie agreed, but first asked him, "Do you want this gift for the pleasure of others, or for the pleasure of yourself?"Wishing to appear humble, the man replied that he was not seeking fame, and simply wished to play for his own amusement.
Satisfied, the faerie granted his wish and departed, and, from then on, the man entertained himself heartily playing all manner of wonderful music. At least, to him it seemed wonderful. To others, his playing ability seemed to have dramatically decreased. Unfortunately for those subjected to his bagpipe solos, however, no one was ever able to cure him of the delusion that he played like an angel.
Traditional faerie wards such as iron and amulets of rowan and amber bound by red thread could protect the wary from faerie mischief, as could an ample supply of offerings for one's remembered ancestors and faerie allies.
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