It's interesting how almost every mythology from all corners of the globe from Iceland to Tahiti features some form of otherworldly trickster or "fair folk". Perhaps it all stems from one incredibly ancient early-human origin.

by Anonymous 3 years ago

Some things are just obvious and don't need a central starting point. Like pyramids for instance. Put a group of children who have no idea what a pyramid is in sand and eventually one will be built. Clearly the engineering involved of the Great Pyramids and others throughout the world is unique to each region but the shape and design is an obvious go-to for the human mind. Tricksters are another one. Language started with warnings to others, so it's a natural evolution to continue using it as a warning to others. A better developed language just allows better articulation of boogie-men, tricksters, and scary animals. They're obvious though when looking at it holistically. Similar to the worlds religions, where they may have similarities, those similarities are obvious. Healing of sorts is huge in religion for obvious reasons. Every religion has some sort of healing scenario - potions, the god itself, certain prayer types, etc. Each god or god type has some sort of major healing thing going on, it's in every relgion, and it's obvious why it exists. A humans desire to be healthy is all the root that's needed, stories don't need to cross pollinate.

by Anonymous 3 years ago

Or they could be Yokai Let genies be

by Anonymous 3 years ago

Before Islam they were a lot more ambiguous whether they were harmful or helpful, also a lot like european fey things before Christianity. The word genius comes from the idea they could be like muses and give people talents

by Anonymous 3 years ago