As a child, I was told many legends by my Grandmother.  One of the legends was the Little People.  They are very small people who live in the mountains of western North Carolina. 

They are said to be very beautiful with long black hair.  My Grandmother said that they were very good people but often became mischief and could cause a person harm.  We were warned never to play with them or follow them into the woods.  If they conjured on you, you could forget who you are and where you live, often wandering for days.  But sometimes they would help people, leaving berries or nuts on their porch if they did not have food.  Grandmother would leave food on the table every night so the Little People that lived with her would behave and let her sleep.  I would often hear her holler at them late at night to be quite and go to bed.  I would get up in the morning to find the food gone.  I would ask my Grandmother if she threw it out and she would say that the Little People ate it.  Little People are known for their love of music and dance.  This is their favorite pastime.  They know many songs and dances of the Cherokee.  Many have said that they have heard them play and sing and it’s beautiful music. 

It is bad luck to see the Little People.  Harm could fall upon you or a member of your family.  That is why it is best not to look for them.  Some of them are known for stealing children.  Parents watch their children near woods and late in the evenings.  But not all Little People are mean.  There are some of them who are good and help care for others.  I would say that is the way of mankind also.  I also feel that the Little People try to teach us about being happy with what we have and finding something good in people.  If a person does talk or see them, they are considered to have powerful medicine.  

The Little People are known to help people lost.  Many hunters would come home and tell of how they got lost and would see a light just ahead of them.  They would follow that light and would find their way home.  Everyone has probably felt or caught a glimpse of the Little People.  It is like when I have often got goose bumps for no reason.  Or felt that someone was watching me.  So, I just remember that Grandmother said they often do these things for fun.  Just tell them to go home.  Even though they are small, they can stir up mischief anywhere.  You might lay your keys down and go back to find them missing.  Or you may put your dishtowel down, turn around and it’s gone.  Just remember it could be the Little People the next time you hear tiny footsteps behind you.