David MacRitchie (16 April 1851 – 14 January 1925) was a Scottish folklorist and antiquarian who focused his research on the historical origins of traditional myths and legends. Born in Scotland, MacRitchie dedicated his career to studying the folklore of the British Isles, seeking to understand the real-world foundations behind ancient stories and popular traditions.
MacRitchie is best known for his specific theory regarding the origin of fairy tales and folklore. He proposed that stories of fairies did not arise purely from imagination, but instead originated from an actual aboriginal race that had occupied the British Isles in ancient times. According to MacRitchie's hypothesis, this indigenous population lived in the region before the arrival of the Celts and other subsequent groups. Over generations, the historical memory of these early inhabitants was preserved and transformed, eventually giving rise to the fairy legends known today. MacRitchie passed away in January 1925, leaving behind a unique legacy in the study of British folklore.
