Origins of the Fair Folk
In what state and in what decade was the first modern Renaissance fair held?
California in the 1960s
This Irish fairy is a shoemaker who hides a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow
A Leprechaun
What creature, common in stories, can fly, breathe fire, and is covered in scales?
A Dragon
King Arthur’s legendary sword, which he pulled from a stone, is known by what famous name?
Excalibur
What is the main event at most Renaissance fairs, featuring costumed knights on horseback charging at each other with lances. It's often highly theatrical and a huge spectacle.
Jousting Tournaments
Which famous folklore authors collected fairy tales in Germany and wrote down many popular stories, like "Hansel and Gretel"?
The Brothers Grimm
What mischievous, green-clad fairy famously helps a family with their chores while they sleep?
A Brownie!
In stories, what is the name of the fiery bird that is reborn from its own ashes?
The Phoenix
What legendary outlaw famously lived in Sherwood Forest in England?
Robin Hood
This challenging balancing game requires you to climb a swaying rope ladder, often featured at Ren Fairs.
Jacobs Ladder!
Long ago, if a human baby seemed sickly, some people blamed it on the fairies swapping it for a fairy child called a what?
The swapped fairy child was called a changeling. Stories often describe changelings as being strange, sickly, or unusually demanding, which sometimes led to cruel treatment of children.
The word "fairy" comes from an old word that means "enchantment" and what Latin word for "fate"?
Fata
What three-headed dog in Greek myths guards the entrance to the Underworld?
Cerberus
According to the legend, what was the wise and magical wizard's name in King Arthur's court?
Merlin
In this game, you use a big hammer to hit a target and see if you can ring a bell. What is it called?
A Test of Strength or High Striker
Some people thought fairies were afraid of this metal, which is why horseshoes were hung up for protection. What metal is it?
It's iron. In many European folk traditions, iron—especially "cold iron" or iron forged by a blacksmith—was believed to repel fairies and other magical creatures.
This Persian legendary creature is made up of body parts from a human, lion, scorpion, and porcupine.
Manticore!
What kind of mythical creature has the head and torso of a human but the lower body of a horse?
A Centaur
Who is the famous Greek hero that was known for completing 12 incredibly difficult tasks?
What kind of bow is set horizontally and shoots small bolts instead of arrows?
A Crossbow
What type of mythical creatures were thought to protect trees and rivers in ancient Greek stories?
The spirits of nature in Greek mythology were called Nymphs. Specific types included:
What is the name of the ghostly female spirit in Irish folklore who wails to warn a family that someone is about to die?
The Banshee
What mythical creature was known as the "king of the serpents" because it could supposedly kill with just a look?
A Basilisk
In the Renaissance, people believed in various spirits that could influence their lives. What common folk practice was used to ward off mischief from these spirits?
Wearing lucky charms or amulets was a common practice.
What are the long poles called that knights use when they charge at each other on horseback?
Lances!