5 Most Popular Types of Fairies
Surreal and mysterious, there are many beliefs surrounding the magical world including the existence of different types of fairies. Going back into history thousands of years, fairies are the basis of many myths and legends in a number of different cultures.
It is difficult to know where the idea of fairies began. They are including in the history of virtually every culture in some form or another, so it is clear that their ancestry is universal. Numerous people have a solid belief in their existence, with stories of sightings and consequences of their presence. There are several theories as to what fairies actually are; fallen angels, ghosts, spirits of nature or demons. They can be large or small, beautiful or ugly, winged or flightless. Most folklore is in agreement, however, that fairies take on human appearance and have magical powers.
Some of the most popular types of fairies have gained that reputation because of their appeal to humans. Pixies, leprechauns, elves, winged fairies and garden fairies are those which have captured the attention and interest of most children and a fair number of adults as well.
Pixies are reputed to be cute, tiny winged creatures that resemble miniature humans. They are often mischievous and fun loving. The most famous of the pixies was Tinkerbell of Peter Pan fame, who used her pixie dust among other things to help human children to fly. This type of fairy was very popular in Celtic folklore, with friendly dispositions and helpful intent toward humans. As technology prevailed in civilization, fewer and fewer stories of pixie presence were reported to the point where they are now almost non-existent.
Few people have not heard tales of leprechauns. With the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and stories of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, these are perhaps one of the most well known types of fairies. Although leprechauns have no wings and there are none that are female, they are classified as fairies because of their human appearance and magical powers. Leprechauns have control over a treasure that was left long ago by invading armies in Ireland, and protect this treasure fiercely against human intervention as they believe humans to be foolish and greedy. The tiny men are often found to be drinking of intoxicating beverages although never so drunk as to divulge the location of the gold which they guard.
Probably the most well known elves are those which assist Santa Clause, although they originated in Scandinavian culture. They are not considered as friendly or helpful, or even loveable. Instead, they wish only to be left alone and dwell within rocky crevices. Thought to be semi divine, elves had ghost-like powers and a mischievous nature.
Winged fairies are the stuff of which fantasy storybooks are made. They are lovely, shapely miniature beings with transparent wings that children have fallen in love with; emulating them in costume and captivated by them in movies and books. Collectible statues of winged fairies are often the subject of many adult obsessions; each fairy representing different style and beauty.
Common in English folklore, garden fairies live within the nature that they represent. Boasting characteristics of natural elements such as air, wind, rain, sunlight, wildflowers and more, these lovely creatures often possess child-like features. These types of fairies include gnomes, which enjoy hiding among garden plants. Gardeners often place statues of gnomes and garden fairies in their garden for luck.
Folklore that is steeped in mystery and magical elements has long been of interest to humans, both children and adults. With origins rooted deep in human history, some of these myths and legends have endured to the delight of many today.