The Superstition of Changelings

Changelings were a common superstition in Ireland, where they were believed to be fairies who would replace kidnapped humans. This folklore persisted in various cultures, and changelings were thought to appear in different forms, including as senile and ancient fairies disguised as children, actual fairy children, or inanimate objects. The belief in changelings emerged as a way to explain birth defects or sudden illnesses in children, and disappearances or mysterious deaths of adults. Various methods were employed to test and drive out suspected changelings, including exposing them to fire or poisonous substances. Desperate belief in these superstitions led to tragic incidents, such as the death of Bridget Cleary, who was burned alive by her husband and father-in-law after being accused of being a changeling.