What We Can Learn from the Mythology of Fairies

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Fairies have existed in mythology all around the world as far back as there are written and oral records. Today, they are a pop culture staple in movies, TV, and books for children and young adults.

Fairies possess a dual nature; not being friendly if their space is disturbed but being helpful when needed.

Depending on the country, their personalities and traits differ; however, there are certain traits that all fairies share. They are all described as small adults or boys or girls.

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Fairies have magical powers and can perform spells and enchantments. All fairies are vulnerable to iron and silver and can be injured by them.

In the English stories, fairies are spirits of children who have perished. The fairies have tiny wings and are playful and mischievous.

They live in the forest or woods and are the protectors of nature. They like to keep their distance from humans unless they are invited to a fairy garden, which is an outdoor space designed specifically for them.

Around 500 BC, groups of tribes who lived north of the Alps congregated to the land that became Ireland. Irish mythology states that fairies came from one of these many tribes.

This large population of fairies lived in the Irish mountains but as more people came to the area, the fairies had to shrink in size. Being secretive creatures, they didn’t want to be seen by the increasing population.

The Irish believe fairies are just like humans and still exist. They have long lifespans and have families and children.  According to Irish lore, the goddess of fairies, Aine (pronounced “Ah-neh”) who is also the goddess of light, is worshipped during the holiday of Midsummer. She is described as a radiant fairy queen.

AI-generated image by Pixa

According to Greek mythology, fairies are either nymphs who are descended from the gods or are mortal. These fairies are depicted as beautiful women who live in the trees and woods. They are friendly and helpful. 

In Native America, fairies are referred to as goblins. They are not pretty and can be dangerous to humans. They do, however, teach young human boys how to be great medicine men.

In Russian mythology, fairies’ top halves are beautiful women, and their bottom halves are horses. They live in the rivers and streams and can become very angry when their homes are disturbed. They are the protectors of pregnant women, and young girls reaching adolescence.

The Aboriginal Australian mythology says fairies have occupied the Australian desert since long before the Aboriginals. When the Aboriginals arrived, they were taught how to live; how to get food, water, and shelter; and how to paint their bodies and faces by the fairies.

This reminds me of the story of the Watchers in Christian mythology. In this mythology, the Watchers taught early humans how to get food, water, and how to protect themselves. They taught the women how to apply make-up and create jewelry.

 In Christian and Persian mythologies, fairies are seen as fallen angels. According to the stories, Lucifer, one of the many angels created by God, wanted to challenge God and take His place as the ruler of the Heavens.

The angels had to pick a side, either going with God or with Lucifer. The angels who joined Lucifer were punished by God, considered fallen angels (fairies), and banished. According to this mythology, the fairies want and are waiting for forgiveness by God.

I believe fairies are an example of the wide variety of life forms in the universe. Their species is unknown, and their magic could be misunderstood technology, but that does not mean they do not exist.

It is important to keep an open mind. Many things we think are fantasy turn out to be real. Do not rely on what others tell you is true without discovering what you believe for yourself.

Have you ever encountered a fairy? Let us know!