Bendith y Mamau

A particularly unpleasant clan of Welsh fairies, possibly the result of inbreeding between fairies and goblins. Unlike true fairies, who are noted for their good looks, the Bendith Y Mamau are stunted and ugly little creatures. They have little to do with mortals except for stealing their children, possibly out of envy for their beauty. Again they differ from true fairies, who only steal newborn children, because they may take a child who can walk and talk and substitute one of their own ugly children, known as Crimbils.

A parent who can pay for the necessary spells may regain a stolen child through the intercession of a witch. When the Bendith Y Mamau return a stolen child to its home, it remembers nothing of it experiences except for a vague recollection of sweet music.