Fairies: Storybook Creatures or Inhabitants of This World?

Often referred to as "little people", some say that fairies are all around us, taking the shapes of animals, elements or even people, but there is one thing for certain: people do believe in fairies. They are mentioned all throughout history and in almost every culture except in Africa - some are benevolent while some are so malevolent that they are believed to cause harm or even death when angered or in some cases when interacted with. Some say these beings are fallen angels or spirits of children that have passed on, hence their mischievous behavior.

There are many different types of fairies which seem to differ based on their origin and location. Some of these include the trolls of Scandinavia, the leprechauns of Ireland, as well as goblins, elves and gnomes. Another race of fairy, the changeling, is believed to switch human babies with their own.

Fairies are believed to possess the ability to cast spells, and are believed to have a strong connection with the dead because the walk among both planes of existence - our world and the one we sometimes visit in our dreams. In certain mythologies it is believed that fairies are spirits of nature bound to a particular location and sworn to protect it. In past times, offerings of food and drink were left out at night in hopes that the little people would bless their home with money or bountiful crops.It is said that a circle of mushrooms should be avoided or the trespasser will be bound to dancing with the fairies inside the circle forever. "Fairy rings or green rings in the grass, which are actually caused by a type of algae, are also attributed to nightly fairy activity. Certain people these days such as the pagans still practice rituals that supposedly put them in contact with these beings.

Fairies have been made popular by the movies and have been the topic of many books of fantasy. It is not uncommon these days to look almost anywhere and find something having to do with these fairy-tale beings: paintings and prints and other wall decor, sheets, dolls, figurines, you name it. We have made this legend, this myth into something that we see on a daily basis, but why? Is it because the possibility of something magical and unexplained could open up doors to different ways of thinking? Is it because these beings are supposed to be elemental spirits attached to nature and because of this we both respect and fear them? Whatever the reason may be, we do believe and maybe it's the fact that we believe that keeps the legends going.