History of Fairies (Faeries)

The term fairy derives from the Middle English word:faierie (also fayerye, feirie, fairie), a direct borrowing from Old French faerie (Modern French féerie) meaning the land, realm, or characteristic activity (i.e. enchantment) of the legendary people of folklore. A fairy or "faery" is a type of mythical being. The term Fairy is commonly used to describe small, magical, human like winged creatures. "Fairy" can also used to describe a number of other magical creatures, including goblins, elves and gnomes.

Fairies weren't always depicted as they are now. Fairies were once thought to be tall beings similar to angels. Some fairies didn't have wings but could still fly by using magic, on stems or on birds. Fairies were also considered to be the living dead or some sort of demons. Alot of the folklore surrounding Fairies was about the protection from them. Metals, such as iron, were considered poisonous to fairies. In certain stories, fairies were known for stealing babies as well as the elderly.

Some of the most popular fairies today are the Tooth fairy, Tinker Bell, Barbie Fairies, etc.