changeling

A changeling is a creature from European folklore believed to be a human child secretly swapped by fairies, elves, or other supernatural beings with a fairy child. The core idea is that a newborn child is replaced, allowing the unseen beings to raise a “different” child in the human family.

In many Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian tales, the changeling is described as the altered infant who causes illness, misfortune, or strange behavior in the household. Signs attributed to a changeling vary but often include persistent illness, unusual appetite or talents, odd speech, or a temperament that seems out of place for a newborn. The belief offered a framework for explaining unexplained infant problems or difficult family circumstances before the advent of modern medicine.

Traditionally, stories describe various attempts to identify or end the swap. These range from religious rites or protective charms to cautious observation and interaction with elders or healers. In some narratives, the human child is recovered, or the changeling is forced to reveal itself through tricks or exposure to certain conditions. The aim across tales is to safeguard the real child and restore normal family life.

Today, changelings persist as a literary and popular-culture motif. In novels, comics, and games, they are often portrayed as magical beings, sometimes as shapeshifters or as children who are themselves not what they seem. The concept remains a versatile device for exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the unknown other.