Well, in Celtic folklore the Leanan Sidhe was a female who took a mortal lover. It came from
Leannan ("a sweetheart, lover, or concubine") and
Sidhe ("of the fairy mounds"). In other myths (Irish, Scottish) she was also considered a muse - trading inspiration and talent to artists for their love and devotion - and had close ties to the concept of a succubus.
Take that and compare it to her actions, attitudes, and promises in the books.
It's not hard to go from the basic historical/mythological concept to when he made the deal with her, promising her devotion for life in return for inspiration in how to get out of the situation he was in.