Also called Phynnodderee, the hairy one.
The tale
The fenodyree is a hairy, strong Manx fairy who does heavy farm work at night, mowing, threshing and herding sheep. He was once a fairy who was banished for courting a mortal girl. When a farmer grumbled that he had not cut the grass close enough, he pulled up roots and all the next year, and when a farmer left clothes for him, he mourned that each garment would bring him an ailment and left for ever.
When they are met
- at harvest
- nightly on farms
Staying on their good side
- never criticise his work
- never give him clothes, which drive him away
- leave a bowl of cream or milk
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Thank people who do heavy, unseen work for you.
- Offer help to neighbours at harvest or busy times without expecting thanks.
What their tales teach
- the tales teach gratitude without insult
- hard work
- the harvest
Symbols
- the hairy body
- the scythe
- the gift of clothes
Sources
- Moore, The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man
- Rhys, Celtic Folklore: Welsh and Manx
More Celtic folklore
- The Banshee The keening woman of the fairy mound
- Selkies The seal folk who come ashore
- The Púca The shape-shifter of November
- The Aos Sí The people of the fairy mounds
- The Kelpie The water horse of the lochs
- The Tylwyth Teg The Fair Family of Wales
- Leprechaun The solitary fairy shoemaker
- Clurichaun The fairy of the wine cellar