Have You Seen A ‘Fae Trap’? Exploring The Michigan Mythology

Let me start by saying I have a healthy respect for the unexplained. Though I've never seen anything concrete to tell me that cryptids, mythical creatures, ghosts, or goblins are real, I've also never seen anything to say to me they don't exist. So, when I fell into the digital rabbit hole that is Faetrap Michigan on TikTok, I not only became very concerned about "Maria" but also fascinated and curious about the history and mythology surrounding 'Fae Traps' in Michigan.

Defining and Spotting Michigan's Fae Traps

Chances are you've encountered what these TikTok creators call fae traps. Picture this: you're hiking through woods on a gorgeous summer day in Michigan, birds chirping, squirrels chittering, and off the trail or direction you were heading, you spot a single leaf twitching or an out-of-place natural archway in your path. Those are fae traps, and for many, they are as off-limits as OSU attire in Michigan.

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While I found a slew of videos like the one above, many of which use the same sound when creating their videos, advising Maria to be cautious. It was funny at first, but if you do find yourself doom-scrolling Michigan Fae Trap TikTok, do it with the sound off.

Beware of Direct Physical Contact With Fae Traps

Again, there are a ton of videos, but not a lot written about fae traps. If you're like me, you have at least two questions:

1. Who's setting these traps?
2. What happens if I fall for one?

According to In the Know, fae traps are sneaky little setups crafted by the fae—those mischievous, not-so-cute fairies rooted in European mythology. Beyond shaking leaves and arches, beware of mushrooms that form a ring, glowing orbs, or anything shiny enough to make you stop and go, "Ooh, what's that?" That's when the fae swoop in.

If you're unlucky enough to fall for a fae trap and make physical contact with it, legends say you could be snatched away (NO, MARIE!) or have your baby switched out with a fae child. Folklore also says that those with artistic talents are most sought after, so they can be turned into entertainment in the fae world. HouseDigest even did a writeup addressing gardeners' concerns after watching #faetrap on TikTok.

Now that you know what to look for, would you willingly touch a fae trap or stand in the middle of a ring of mushrooms? If you do, let me know how it turns out.