"The word fairy is derived from the Latin word fatum meaning 'fate'"(Allan 90-95). Fairies were present at every birth to assign new borns their destiny, this tradition remained on in folktales of Fairy Godmothers. There are several different types of fairies but they all share common characteristics. Age and sickness are two things that are unknown to fairies, they live eternal lives of health. They also all have powers, although they might not all be the same. Shape-shifting, enchantment, flying and healing at the touch are all common abilities of a fairy, as well as delighting people with their phenomenal talent in making music. Fairies typically reside in Ireland and Celtic lands but do inhabit areas all over the world.
There are two main types of fairies, domestic and wild. Domestic fairies are often more compassionate and involve themselves in the affairs of humans, whereas wild fairies are typically dangerous and will harm or kill any human who tries to interfere in the life of the fairy. Within the two main groups, are three more types of fairies. There are air sprites, or fairies, that live in the mists, clouds, and air and are often invisible to the human eye. Subterranean sprites lye within the earth and stone. "When a swamp or bog gas would ignite upon reaching the surface, it was called a "fairy fire", brought on by the subterranean fairies" (Smith 233-236). The water sprites reside in lakes, rivers, streams, seas, and etc. They are stunning saviors of sailors and fishermen who are lost or in danger on the waters.
Allan, Tony. "Fairies." The Mythic Beastiary. London: Duncan Baird Publishers, 2008. Print.
Smith, Evans Lansing. "Fairies." The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Mythology. New York City, NY:
Penguin Group, 2007. Print.
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