Fairies Origin

Fairies are a part of many cultures and have a long history of intrigue and fascination. They are otherworldly creatures that seem to exist in a parallel reality with us. They are often credited with magic and other supernatural powers. They can be benevolent or malevolent depending on the culture and time period in which they were believed.

It is difficult to trace the history of fairies because they are a conglomeration of various folk beliefs. They have been cast as demoted angels or demons in Christian tradition, as a kind of deity in Pagan belief systems, as spirits of the dead, prehistoric precursors to humans, and more. Today, fairies are primarily associated with the magical elements of nature. They are a combination of Celtic, Germanic and Greco-Roman beliefs about otherworldly beings that have survived through the ages.

They have been associated with forests, gardens, and bodies of water. Their benevolent presence was thought to bring good luck and abundance to human endeavors. They could also be invoked for protection against malicious intent. Many of these ancient beliefs were transferred to medieval and Renaissance Europe, particularly the British Isles. There they blended with nymphs and sprites, a kind of classical mythological being that is associated with the Greeks and Romans.

The fairy concept is based on the idea that there are other realms which are accessible by some humans. It is similar to the idea of reincarnation or the afterlife. The idea of a veil which separates the human world from the fairy world is also a key aspect. It is often believed that at certain times of the year, like Samhain Eve (October 31st) or Beltane (May 1st), the veil thins and it becomes easier to communicate with fairy beings.

A major shift in the concept of fairies took place with the coming of Christianity. Animistic beliefs were replaced by Christianity, but the fairy gods and goddesses survived. The fairy tales of the middle ages and Renaissance are based on these old beliefs. Morgan le Fey in Le Morte d’Arthur and the Green Knight of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are examples of this. There are also several literary figures who have been associated with fairies, such as the character of Hermione in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

One theory is that fairies are the descendants of prehistoric peoples who were displaced by invaders. They would have retained some of their animistic beliefs which were then mixed with Christian beliefs by the incoming populations. This could account for the fact that some ancient animistic beliefs are still evident today in places with high levels of biodiversity. It is also possible that fairy beliefs are the result of animistic religions being adopted by European colonizers and adapted to Christian terminology. The lore of fairies having mated with Gods may be an example of this.