Fairy

Fairy is a term used in folklore and modern fantasy to describe a supernatural being that is often human-sized or smaller and possesses magical powers. In many traditions they are associated with nature and an otherworldly realm that lies alongside the human world. Attitudes toward fairies vary widely; some accounts portray them as helpful or protective, others as mischievous or dangerous. Because of regional variation, depictions differ on appearance, behavior, and morality, and the label often overlaps with related beings such as elves, sprites, or fae.

The word fairy comes from the Old French fée or fay, linked to medieval romance and to the idea of a fairy realm or Fate. The term was adopted into English in the Middle Ages and has since broadened to include many different folk beings.

In Celtic and broader European folklore, fairies are frequently part of an in-between world and may be classified as the Seelie (benevolent) or the Unseelie (unfriendly) court. They are associated with places such as forests, hills, and waters, and with phenomena like fairy rings and protective charms. Tales warn against breaking oaths, taking human property, or lingering in fairy-land after dark.

Fairies have a significant presence in literature and popular culture. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream features fairy royalty and magical mischief; later works introduced fairy godmothers and diminutive companions, such as Tinker Bell. In contemporary fantasy, fairies are depicted with varied powers and moral alignments, ranging from benevolent guides to capricious tricksters.