Fairy, Faerie, Fey, Fae and Fay
is derived from Latin word βfatum,β meaning βtheΒ fatesβ and the Old French word fae and faerieΒ meaning land, realm, or a characteristic activity (i.e.Β enchantment).
the standard modern spelling of the wordΒ faerie (as faerie is a pseudo-archaism.)
The word fairy came about to differentiate between warriors and human sized faeries in other works of literature. Fairies were delicate and tiny, often found in childrenβs books.Β
from Old French faerie βland of fairies, meeting of fairies; enchantment, magic, witchcraft, sorceryβ
from fae βfay,β from Latin fata βthe Fates,β plural of fatum βthat which is ordained; destiny, fate,β
to the word faie was added the suffix -erie (Modern English -(e)ry), used to express either a place where something is found (fishery, heronry, nunnery) or a trade or typical activity engaged in by a person (cookery, midwifery, thievery).Β
Fay: to fit, to join together.
*Note: If one Google imagesΒ βfairyβ they will find lighthearted images of Tinkerbellesque creatures. If one google imagesΒ βfaerieβ they will find darker images closer tied to that of lore and legends.
Other titles or names for Faeries:
Fair Folk,Β Good Neighbours,Β The Green Children,Β The Old People,The Silent People,Β Elf (ves)
