A far darrig or fear dearg is a

faerie Fairyland (Early Modern English: ''Faerie''; (Scottish mythology; cf. (Norse mythology)) in English and Scottish folklore is the fabulous land or abode of fairies or ''fays''. Old French (Early Modern English ) referred to an illusion or enchan ...

Irish mythology Irish mythology is the body of myths indigenous to the island of Ireland. It was originally Oral tradition, passed down orally in the Prehistoric Ireland, prehistoric era. In the History of Ireland (795–1169), early medieval era, myths were ...

. The name ''far darrig'' is an Anglophone pronunciation of the Irish words ''fear dearg'', meaning ''Red Man'', as the far darrig is said to wear a red coat and cap. They are also sometimes known as ''Rat Boys'' as they are said to be rather fat, have dark, hairy skin, long snouts and skinny tails. According to ''Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry'', the far darrig is classified as a solitary fairy along with the

leprechaun A leprechaun () is a diminutive supernatural being in Irish folklore, classed by some as a type of solitary fairy. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. In later times, they have bee ...

and the

clurichaun The clurichaun () or clúrachán (from Yeats, W. B. (1888). ''Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry''. London: Walter Scott. p. 80.) is a mischievous fairy in Irish folklore known for his great love of drinking and a tendency to haunt br ...

, all of whom are "most sluttish, slouching, jeering, mischievous phantoms". The far darrig in particular is described as one who "busies himself with practical joking, especially with gruesome joking". One example of this is replacing babies with

changeling A changeling, also historically referred to as an auf or oaf, is a human-like creature found throughout much of European folklore. According to folklore, a changeling was a substitute left by a supernatural being when kidnapping a human being. ...

s. They are also said to have some connection to nightmares.

References

Aos Sí Fairies Irish folklore Irish legendary creatures Scottish mythology Tuatha Dé Danann {{Celt-myth-stub

See also

References