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All About Types of Fairies
From A to Z You can see why it makes real fae blink in amazement. How do you keep it all straight? In all of your cultures, it seems you have names and descriptions for types of fairies from A to Z. And much fascinating folklore. Some of it quite amusing. But keep in mind that although some tales may be based on real observations, they do pass through the filter of the mortal mind in being told. And as you know, that can sometimes become muddled. My purpose here is not to go through every mortal fairy classification and name you have assigned to us. Others have already done so. My purpose is to describe basic fairy types so that you may have a better understanding of us. The Kingdom of Faerie is so extensive that I will have to keep coming back to this page to add more and more information. (Make sure to stop by often). For, having been there, I have secrets and tales of my own to tell. Just a few -- for I cannot tell all. Ophelia Fey
The Word "Fairy" First of all, let’s take a look at what fae folk are, in general. The word fairy or faerie may have a slightly different meaning to mortals than it does to us. Simply put, it describes any fae folk who dwell in our dimension. But the trick is, other mystical creatures live there as well, such as dragons and giants. Yet though they dwell alongside us in the Kingdom of Faerie, these are not technically fairies. This may seem confusing. It has to do with what we are made of – our substance, our density, powers, and reason for being. Your words fairy or faerie sprouted from your olden languages of England and France; and before that, Latin. The word is not important. At any rate, our language is so different from yours, that the words we use for ourselves would seem completely strange. We are a separate race, a separate species than you are. We are also a separate race than that of angels.
What Are We Like Fae folk are attached to nature, dwelling in and caring for the natural world is our reason for being (and mortals are part of nature). We live in your world, but somewhat parallel to it in a separate dimension. Yet many types of fairies are able to move back and forth quite easily if we so choose. If we have expanded our awareness to know how. Eons ago, when mortals were more in touch with their hearts and true nature, our dimensions were intertwined. But we have since removed ourselves. Some mortals think if a thing is little, has pointed ears, uses a wand, has wings and flies, it’s a fairy. But not all fairies fly and not all are little. Certainly we don’t all have pointed ears and many of us don’t need to use wands. Yes, there are good fairies and bad. But some of your stories about us are quite horrible. And untrue. Such stories actually just reflect a mortal state of mind down through the ages, not what true fairy folk are like. So let me describe some types of fairies here.
Some Types of Fairies Elementals -- Explained rather correctly by your Renaissance alchemist and botanist, Paracelsus. He did invent his own names for the beings of the elements, and they have stuck to this day. We, of course, call ourselves something entirely different. But for our purposes here, we’ll use the labels created by Paracelsus. You will be more familiar with them. Elementals are fae folk composed of and/or dwelling in one of the four elements: the earth fairy (including gnomes and dwarves), along with the magic jewel makers. (And if you are interested in them, also read about the legend of the jewel fairies. Plus, there are air fae (sylphs); and rainbow fairies are also part of the air element. Then there is the fire fairy (you call them the firey salamanders although fire fairies do not in the least resemble lizards); and the water fairy or fae, sometimes known as undines.
All elements include many types of fairies and beings. Garden, woodland, flower fairies (such as the fairy rose fairy), and crystal fairies belong to the earth element. And many elven folk (to which mortals have dedicated centuries of various artwork - elves art.) Then there is the matter of fairy pixies. Water fae can also include merfolk, water sprites, naiads, rusalkas, Oceanids, and Nerieds, to name a few. What you call selkies and kelpies are not fairies, but are mystical creatures found in a similar dimension, about which humans have told many an amazing story. But some fae folk are a mixture of more than one element. Snow fairies and other winter fairies work with both water and air. Fairies of volcanoes work with both fire and earth. And so on.
Colors -- And then we have fairies of color. Just about every color you can think of. Like the brilliant blue fairies or the purple fairy, and vibrant green. That’s why we are so very puzzled why mortals think something is wrong with one particular skin color or look, yet other colors are superior. How utterly ridiculous. Can you imagine if you also had orange, pink, purple, green, blue, yellow, and rainbow people? Although maybe that’s just what you need to “get over it.” It’s as silly as a purple flower telling a yellow flower it’s the wrong color. With these types of fairies, color comes along with function and environment. As previously mentioned, many fairies morph to blend in with their environments. (Although some fairies can take on a color just because. Color can be a fashion accessory). You would rarely find a bright orange fairy in a rose garden. And rarely would you find a pink fairy in fire. Most water fairies take on the cool colors of the sea. And woodland fairies prefer the earth tones and greens. With a punch of color when around wild flowers. Or butterflies. Groups and Troops -- You’ve probably heard of trooping fairies. These types of fairies are usually led by a chief, princess, queen, or the like, who is charismatic, talented and powerful. Even wealthy. So fairies group around them. Some mortals may refer to them as “groupies.” They fly together, cry together, work together, play together, and party together. They come in all sizes and shapes. Unlike human beliefs, they do not wear just one color, like green. These types of fairies are mostly of the same element, although others may attach themselves to the troop out of admiration. A fairy troop can appear a bit snobbish sometimes and may seem difficult to join. Fairies love to troop during the night, often using the same path or pass, and especially love the woodlands and fields. That is one way you may be able to see them – watch for them at their pass. If you can find it. And here’s a secret: if you see a swarming forming near an old oak tree, do not assume it is bees.
Solitary Fairy -- These types of fairies are loners. And contrary to some mortal myths, they are not all nasty. Solitaries are typically very focused on their work (like some gothic fairies) and prefer quiet and solitude. And the night fairy, like the kind who work with owls. Although night fairies who fly with bats are definitely not solitary. Nor is the moon fairy, for that matter. It’s not that solitary fairies never socialize. Of course they do. Just not trooping around the countryside. Some potion-making fairies are solitary. As are various crystal fairies in caves deep within the earth. Fairies of the winds need great concentration to orchestrate all that they must do and tend to work alone a great deal.
Most types of fairies are not prone to participating in the affairs of mortals, but when we do it’s mostly to help. Or have fun... such as the holiday fairies. We do prefer to be invited though. But keep in mind, fae folk have a different perspective of Life and the Universe than do you. And so our actions and remedies are often misunderstood. You may think we are tricking or punishing; whereas, we are simply returning to you or helping along, that which you have already set in motion. We mirror what you already are. Here in my web within your Web, I shall concentrate mostly on the friendly types of fairies and light side of the Faerie realm, and at least shed some light on the dark side. You’ve already made up enough of the scary. So do come back often as we expand our secrets all about types of fairies. Like fairy food such as real fairy bread.. And try a couple of our favorites: Dipping Chocolate Magic Wands, and also learn how to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries Into Elves.
Favorite Fairy Food -- Real fairy food may surprise you. We don’t, after all, have to eat the way you do. I know, being a fairy myself. For fairies, it’s all about Fun. Find out what different types of fairies really eat.
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