Everyone wants the fairytale ending. But what people forget is that fairytales can be brutal, tricky, and uneasy. Characters like witches, fairies, and giants often want something from the humans they entrap and ensorcel.
One traveler learned this the hard way. Sophia Rodrigues (@sophiarodrigueseyetok) did what many magic-seekers have done before her. She dipped her face into one of Scotland’s so-called magical fairy pools.
Dark Magic Is Magic, Too
In a TikTok that shows a hat-and-sweater wearing Rodrigues kneeling by a stream, she dips her face under the water for several seconds. But the on-screen text paired with music that sounds like a warning scream sounds the alarm. “POV: you dipped your face in a Scotlands fairy pools for 7 seconds but get a parasite instead,” it reads.
The internet is apparently very concerned (and knowledgeable) about dealing with fairies. In the comments, fairies are often called the fae.
“Guys it gives you eternal beauty bc the fae steals your soul. COME ON READ THE LEGENDS,” one viewer said.
TikToker @heykermz has a different take on what’s happening. “Maybe the parasite is what’s giving you eternal beauty,” she pointed out.
Then user @lilybeijo swoops in with a cautionary tale: “I did a silent Bhuddist [sic] templr stay in Korea and they have fresh water source from a glacier which is why it was founded 1000000 years ago and all I got was Giardia.”
While @iamcomcamok asks, “Girl did you drink it?”
Parasites From Just Touching Contaminated Water?
The bad news is, yes, you can get certain parasites just from touching contaminated water. And two of the most common parasites, Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis, can survive for a long time in the environment.
The Vermont Department of Health reports that these parasites can survive in “water, food, soil or surfaces that have been contaminated with the poop of infected humans or animals.” And contamination can occur without deliberate consumption.
If Rodrigues didn’t clean and wipe her face before touching her lips with her tongue, she could’ve gotten sick. If she touched something with hands that had been in the water and then ate it, that could be the source of her exposure. Or she mistakenly took a small sip of water while under. After all, who hasn’t swallowed pool or ocean water on accident?
That same source reports that the best ways to avoid Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis are the common-sense ones. Avoid swimming or playing in water that might be contaminated and keep water out of your mouth while swimming. After exposure, wash hands before eating, and wash fruits and veggies that will be consumed—especially those served raw. Finally, if, say, it’s the end of the world and it’s drink suspicious water or die of thirst, boil the water for at least one minute.
Why Do The Fae Live In Lakes And Streams?
There are many theories about the fae. There’s the idea that they live in lakes and streams because these are often “gateway places.” Places where an individual can “cross into” another realm.
Then there are the scholars who think the fae are actually remnants of pre-Roman deities that were associated with specific places. Their diminutive size as (now) tiny fairies reflects their reduced stature in comparison to Roman gods. Later followed by the Christian God and his son.
So perhaps it follows that because the fae are believed to operate outside of Christianity (not the most inclusive of belief systems), they’re presented as untrustworthy. Another theory might be they are depicted as untrustworthy because it is impossible to know the will of a god. And even though they’re technically no longer gods, that ancient concern still manifests.
And maybe the fae are considered untrustworthy—especially those specifically associated with water—because parasites have been around for about a billion years. Violent diarrhea surely could be interpreted as a sign of a magical being’s displeasure. So this summer, in addition to steering clear of lettuce and blueberries, you should probably add magical water to that list.
BroBible reached out to Sophia Rodrigues via TikTok direct message and with a comment on her post. We were not able to find contact information for any of the fae. We will update this article if Rodrigues replies.