Vilia are water spirits that inhabit brooks and streams. They appear to be benevolent in nature and possess powerful healing magic.
History
The Vilia were among the spirits released into the living world when Morgana tore the veil on Samhain's Eve. Several of them appeared to Lancelot in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when he was trying to find shelter for himself and Merlin, who had been badly injured by the Dorocha.
The Vilia assured Lancelot that they meant no harm and used their magic to heal Merlin. They also conjured a sphere of light to keep them safe from the Dorocha and promised to watch over them during the night (The Darkest Hour).
Abilities
As water spirits, the Vilia were able to appear as different forms of water. The Vilia who spoke to Lancelot, for example, took the forms of water bubbles floating in the air. They also possessed powerful healing magic, as they were able to save Merlin from the Dorocha's deadly touch, and were able to cast powerful light spells.
Like many other spirits, the Vilia also seemed to possess a type of omniscience. They were not only aware that Merlin and Lancelot were needed to heal the veil between the worlds, but also that Merlin had great power and a future that had been written since the dawn of time (The Darkest Hour).
Trivia
- It is unknown if the Vilia have any connection to Freya (The Coming of Arthur).
Folklore
The Vilia are likely based on the Vilas, fairies/female nature spirits in Slavic folklore. Vilas have an ambivalent relationship with humans, treating them with malice in some tales and coming to their aid in others. They also possess many warrior-like qualities.
There are said to be three kinds of Vilas: those that live on land and in forests, those that live in the water, and those that live in the air. They are able to take the appearance of different elements and animals and possess great skill in the healing arts.
Vilas were known to seek the love of handsome, strong men and assist them against their enemies. Similarly, the Vilia assisted Merlin and Lancelot (Albion's most powerful warlock and Camelot's noblest knight) against the Dorocha. The Vilia were also similar to the Vilas in that they were skilled healers.