Reviewed By Katrina Rasbold
Morgan Daimler’s Paid with a Kiss: Love and Sex in Fairy Belief is a compelling exploration of the intersections between folklore, sexuality, and human belief systems. Daimler is well-known in the Pagan literary community for her attention to detail and meticulous research. Paid with a Kiss: Love and Sex in Fairy Belief continues this tradition and is a scholarly yet accessible exploration of how fairy folklore intersects with human concepts of love, sex, gender, and intimacy. Published in May 2025 by Moon Books, this book offers a comprehensive examination of fairy-related beliefs across nearly two millennia of Western European history, focusing primarily on Irish, British, and French traditions.
Daimler, who is especially respected as an expert in Celtic and fairy studies, examines how fairies have been perceived in relation to sex, gender, and human relationships. Drawing from a diverse array of sources—including mythology, literature, and folklore—she addresses questions about the nature of fairy sexuality, human-fairy interactions, and the cultural implications of these beliefs. The book is notable for its academic rigor and accessibility which the author marries nicely with references to Shakespearean plays, Welsh myths, Scottish ballads, and contemporary literature. This balanced approach serves well to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter without sacrificing Daimler’s knack for engaging storytelling.
Some of the concepts this book explores are:
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Fairy-Human Relationships: The book investigates narratives of romantic and sexual interactions between humans and fairies, exploring the nature of these relationships and their cultural implications.
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Gender and Sexuality in Fairy Lore: Daimler examines how fairies have been portrayed in terms of gender and sexuality, including discussions on androgyny, gender fluidity, and the roles of male and female fairies in folklore.
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Offspring of Humans and Fairies: The text explores beliefs surrounding the possibility of human-fairy offspring, including changeling myths and the cultural significance of such narratives.
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Cultural and Historical Context: By analyzing myths, literature, and anecdotes, Daimler provides insights into how societal attitudes toward sex and gender have influenced and been influenced by fairy lore.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of sources the author weaves a delightful blend of mythology, folklore, literature, and anecdotes to answer common questions about sex and sexuality among fairies and how they interact with humans, including human-fairy relationships and offspring
Paid with a Kiss stands out as a significant contribution to the study of folklore and cultural beliefs in relation to the woefully underserved topic of Fae interaction. Daimler’s thorough research and engaging writing offer readers a nuanced understanding of how fairy lore intersects with human perceptions of sexuality and relationships. Whether you’re a scholar, a folklore enthusiast, or someone interested in cultural studies, this book provides valuable insights into the mystical and intimate relationship between Fairies and humankind.
Click here to purchase from Moon Books
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.