CHANGELINGS Meaning and
Definition
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Changelings are supernatural creatures often found in folklore, legends, and traditional stories. They are thought to be a type of being that is substituted for a human child, often by fairies or other mystical entities. The concept of changelings dates back centuries and is found in various cultures around the world.
The belief is that changelings are swapped for human babies in an act of mischief or malice. It is commonly believed that the supernatural beings take the human child and replace it with a creature that closely resembles a human baby but is not actually human. The motive behind this exchange can vary, with some stories suggesting that the fairies or mystical creatures desire the beauty, vitality, or innocence of a human child, while others imply that the replacement serves as a tithe or payment to these supernatural beings.
Descriptions of changelings vary, but they are often portrayed as sickly, unchanging, or strangely behaved. These beings are believed to be difficult to identify as impostors, often evading suspicion by mimicking human characteristics. However, certain traits are associated with changelings, such as having a pale complexion, being unusually intelligent or mischievous, or exhibiting supernatural abilities.
In popular culture, changelings have appeared in various forms, including literature, films, and folklore-inspired media. They are often portrayed as tragic figures, with stories focusing on the hardships they face in their dual existence between the human and supernatural realms.
Common Misspellings for CHANGELINGS
Etymology of CHANGELINGS
The word "changelings" has its origins in Old English and Old Norse.
In Old English, the word "cilden" or "cildra" referred to children. The term "lengen" or "lenging" meant to substitute or exchange. So, "cilden" combined with "lengen" gave rise to the Middle English word "changeling", which initially meant a child who had been exchanged or substituted by fairies or other supernatural creatures.
The Old Norse word "skiftlingr" had a similar meaning, which referred to a child that was swapped for another by trolls or elves. This word also contributed to the development of the term "changeling" in English.
Over time, "changeling" came to be associated with various folklore beliefs about fairies or other mythical beings secretly replacing human infants with their own offspring.
Similar spelling words for CHANGELINGS
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