The term "Changeling" refers to two varieties of Faerie-related creatures. A Changeling can either be a Fae adopted by Humans, or a Human adopted by Fae.
If a person is adopted by Fae, this essentially means that a Fae has taken a particular liking for a Human and claimed them. Itβs like the Fae is adopting the Human, but the bond doesnβt necessarily have to be a parental one (although it certainly can be). It can be a Mentor/Student bond, a Friendship bond, or even a bond between Lovers! Itβs most often done at Birth, but sometimes a Fae will take a Human Lover and claim them as an adult. The claim marks them as belonging to that Fae, like a brand. It creates a magical bond and also lets other Fae know not to mess with that human. (Information sourced from the marvelous @generalwitchery who has a great comic on this subject)
If a person is a Fae adopted by Humans, this likely refers to the phenomenon of Fae swapping a child with a human, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Because this Fae is now expected to function in the Human World, they can often feel out of place among other humans, as well as exhibit other strange and unexplained behavior. It's said that some folk practices may entice the Fae into taking the child back, though these practices are often horrible abusive.
Some Tell-tale Signs of a Changeling include:
π± Often times, in my experience, Changelings can be categorized under names such as "Highly Sensitive Person" or Autistic. In fact, the myth of Changelings may stem from people's reactions to Disabled and Autistic children before science could explain their conditions.
π± Feeling unusual, out of place, or underdeveloped compared to your peers. Changelings may often be bullied for seeming "strange"
π± Having a deep, unexplained connection to Nature or the Supernatural. They may seek out nature-based jobs and be restless or unhappy if they're not around nature, and they may dabble in spirituality and witchcraft.
π± Having unusual birthmarks or disfigurements. Again, this leads back to the 'Changeling as Disabled Kid' theory.
π± Particularly Mischievous, Intelligent, Mature, Wise, Withdrawn, Introverted, Antisocial or Strange compared to others their age
π± Feeling unusually cold to the touch, or having an abnormally low body temperature
π± Having unusual sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much, too little, or having habits like sleep talking or walking
π± Children and Animals seem to like them for seemingly no reason. They seem to have "good energy"
π± "Hearing" white noise even when its quiet
π± Having a higher sensitivity to Electric, Electromagnetic or Magnetic Fields, as well as having heightened sensitivity to Sunlight
π± Having a high frequency of supernatural encounters and interactions with the Fair Folk
π Celtic Changelings: Usually sickly and small by human standards, these changelings sometimes never speak and often have strange eating habits. Some of them are described as strikingly beautiful and immensely talented, particularly in the arts.
π Germanic Changeling: These folks donβt live as long as other changelings, typically leaving around young adulthood, at which time they either die, return to their Faerie home, or even both. These changelings are insatiably hungry and notably strong, much stronger than humans could ever hope to be.
π Troll Changeling: Insatiably hungry, these changelings are cheerful, noisy and disruptive. They are often very strong and tall compared to others. Troll changelings love to have fun, throw parties and steal. However, they are far from actively malicious, and are instead just a wily handful at worst. Like their name suggests, these changelings are specifically the product of trolls swapping one of their children in place for a human, or alternatively, a human adopted into a troll family.
π Log Changeling: Unique from the other varieties, these changelings are the result of trolls carving a human child out of an old log and giving it life. The exact opposite of the troll changeling on paper, log changelings are sedate and quiet, preferring to be alone and laze about the woods all day.
There are many, such as Dwarf Changelings who are known for their short stature and wizened personality. These are just a few examples I could find in my books and across the internet.
π Remember to respect the Fair Folk, Be Kind and Never say Thank You!! π
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