TROWS

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀
Scottish Gaelic Folklore
TROWS derive from the Shetland and Orkney Islands and are usually regarded as cousins of the troll. Like many other members of the fae, trows have been known to swap changelings for human infants.

They also kidnap musicians and delight in stealing and hiding humans’ personal possessions. Trows are creatures of the night and sped the day underground, if caught in the sunlight they become frozen in position till the sun is no longer in sight.

Trows are described as misshapen round faeries often with stumpy legs; in which case they get around by hopping/bouncing on their behinds. Other names include: creepers, and nightstealers.

●Howes, Knowes and Trows

Within their earthen mounds – known locally as howes or knowes – the dwelling-places of the trows were said to be sumptuous and dazzling. Gold, silver and previous materials were said to decorate the walls, while only fine food and drink was served at their tables.

Deep inside these magical halls, the trows would satisfy their insatiable passion for music and dancing, very often luring mortal fiddlers inside to perform at their otherworldly celebrations.

But although the majority of trow tales come to us as mere folktales, there are still a few intriguing accounts that supposedly detail actual trow encounters.