fae

The fae, also called faeries, fay, or the fair folk, are a broad class of supernatural beings found in European folklore and modern fantasy. They are commonly associated with nature, the mysterious world beyond ordinary perception, and a realm often described as an Otherworld or Fairyland. In traditional lore, the term encompasses a wide range of beings—from benign helpers to dangerous tricksters—whose motives and powers vary by region and tale.

Etymology and origins reflect a long, diverse history. The word fae derives from Old French fae or faerie, with related terms in Scots and Irish folklore. In Celtic traditions, many fae are linked to the sídhe or fairy mounds and to faerie courts. Germanic and Norse traditions also contributed elfin or fairy motifs, sometimes identifying fae with beings like elves. Over time, "fae" has become a modern umbrella term for these creatures in both folklore studies and fantasy fiction.

Nature, abilities, and social structure are central to fae lore. They are frequently depicted as immortal or long-lived, capable of shapeshifting, glamour or enchantment, flight, and manipulation of luck or weather. Many stories describe organized societies with rival courts—often the Seelie (benevolent) and the Unseelie (dark) factions—or a fairy queen or king who governs their realm. Interactions with humans can be helpful or perilous, frequently governed by rules, bargains, and the need to honor thresholds or offerings.

In contemporary usage, the fae appear in literature, film, and games as a versatile motif representing magic, misdirection, and the tension between the human and otherworldly spheres.