Is There A Difference Between Fairies and Faeries?

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Hello everyone!

Today I’m going to be answering a question that I get quite a bit about my Legends of Arestina series. What is the difference between a fairy and a faerie? Unlike what most people assume, there is quite a lot of difference actually.

In most cultures, fairies are considered the more amiable of the two creatures; whereas the faeries are known for their mal-intent. The word ‘fairy’ is derived from the Latin word ‘fatum’, which can mean ‘fate’. ‘Faerie’ is a word derived from the Gaelic ‘fear shidhe’, which translates to ‘man of the shee’. Some also say that there is a difference with the faeries being from the realm of the fae.

They also tend to differ in appearance with the fairies being of a more human, and usually more attractive appearance. The faeries, however, usually have an evil intent and are often portrayed as thieving creatures.

So in short:

Fairies – Good creatures.

Faeries – Evil or mischievous creatures.

I kept both definitions and myths in mind when I created my winged world on the mystical Island of Arestina. In that world, the distinction lies between the two fairy and faerie races who discriminate against each other: the lumina fairies vs. the obscura faeries. As the novel plays out between the two kinds of peoples, it begins to beg the question of individuality to decide your true nature, as opposed to what race (or species) you are. To learn more about the Island of Arestina, click here.

Well, I hope this answered your questions. If you have any more, please make sure to drop them in the comments so I can answer them!

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to sign up for my email newsletter. When you sign up, you’ll immediately get a copy of my novella STILL DEATH and I frequently email out freebies and goodies to my readers!

If you’d like to read Wings of Caligo, click here

Hope you have a fabulous day,

Author Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel

NOTE: the terms lumina fairies and obscura faeries are copyrighted content from the Legends of Arestina series. Please do not use without the author’s permission.

References:

Thedifferencebetween.net

Art by https://pixabay.com/en/fairy-faerie-mushroom-drawing-1606164/

4 thoughts on “Is There A Difference Between Fairies and Faeries?”

  2. Faerie derives from Old French ‘faie’ meaning possessed of magical powers. Some argue that it stems from the Latin fata, meaning fate. There is no evidence in the etymology to support malevolent intent. The Irish Áes Sídhe or modern Sidhe simply means in possession of supernatural powers, similar to the Sìth in Scottish culture. Again, neither of which are inherently malevolent.

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