As the veil between worlds thin and the sun twilights earlier each day, the chances to see the otherworld increases. Faeries and/or Fae begin to own this world for a short time once again. They are so prevalent in our history. With stories and lore that engage our imagination. Disney’s Onward, is one of the most recent movies in regards to Fae (very good, a must watch). Who and what are the Fae? Are they the monsters so tales present or good nature like our heroes in Onward. I think a little bit of both. Let us begin the deep dive into the otherworld. The word “fairy” originates from the French “faerie”, a spelling which is still used occasionally to this day. In addition, fairies as a whole are also known as “the Fae”. Though the Fae appear in the mythologies of other cultures, the classic fairy is Celtic in origin, you may recognize names such as Brigit, the Morrigan, and Rhiannon. Also, you may have read up on the Tuatha De Danann. Other Celtic myths are pixies, elves, banshees, brownies, goblins, and leprechauns. Different countries throughout the world also have creatures that were later considered to be of the Fae, including satyrs, nymphs, Valkyries, nine tailed fox (kumiho), gnomes, sylphs, and even dwarves.
In most European folktales, the Fae kept to themselves unless they wanted something from their human neighbors. It is important to note that the Fae are typically considered mischievous and tricky, and should not be interacted with unless one knows exactly what one is up against. Many legends discuss benevolent and not so benevolent acts of the Fae. How do you meet the Fae on their own turf? They have secret entrances to their underground home. These were typically guarded, but every once in a while an enterprising adventurer would find his way in. Time passes slowly in their realm. In several tales, mortals who spend a day in the fairy realm find that seven years have passed in their own world.
There are a few books that cite early cave paintings and even Etruscan carvings as evidence that people have believed in the Fae for thousands of years. With so much of our human history interacting with Fae, it is possible on this Halloween that you may meet up with an individual whose costume is too real.
