Appalachian Death Crown

Death Crowns are hardened masses of swirling feathers whose quills each turn inward, forming a small, round crown. They can sometimes be found inside the feather pillow of an ill or recently deceased person. These tightly wound discs are knitted together by the fae—created as a sign or blight to the pillow’s owner. 

A feather crown found within the pillow of a sickly person signifies that death is near. If new medication or procedures are not implemented within three days, the person will die. Throughout time, these signs have been used to save friends and family on the edge of death. New crowns will continue to appear in the pillow if the changes made will still not save the ill’s life; if the sick person will recover, no new crowns will be discovered. 

Some of these crowns are placed by malicious fae, who have cursed them to spread illness to the one that sleeps on the pillow. If the crown is removed in a timely manner and burned, the illness will abate; otherwise, the individual will perish by the fae’s preferred choice of malady. Those who know of the death crown’s meanings may be tricked into believing that the lack of a recurring crown is a sign that the illness will abate or be nonlethal, and that their alterations in treatment were successful. These malicious crowns are often coated in a powdery, dark film. 

Looked upon with more comfort, feather crowns within the pillow of a recently deceased person signifies something different. These crowns let viewers know that the person passed peaceably, lived a happy life, and/or was ready to move on. Often they are kept by family members for reassurance or in memoriam. 

Helpful or reassuring messages are generally left for a friend of the fae or to family who have befriended the fae.

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