Fairy, Faerie, Fey, Fae and Fay

thistletongue:

Fairy:

is derived from Latin word “fatum,” meaning “the fates” and the Old French word fae and faerie meaning land, realm, or a characteristic activity (i.e. enchantment).

the standard modern spelling of the word 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 children’s books.

Faerie:

circa 1300

from Old French faerie “land of fairies, meeting of fairies; enchantment, magic, witchcraft, sorcery”

from fae “fay,” from Latin fata “the Fates,” plural of fatum “that which is ordained; destiny, fate,”

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).

Fae, Fay and Fey:

Fae: plural for faerie

Fay: to fit, to join together.

Fey: fated to die

*Note: If one Google images “fairy” they will find lighthearted images of Tinkerbellesque creatures. If one google images “faerie” they will find darker images closer tied to that of lore and legends.

Other titles or names for Faeries:

Fair Folk, Good Neighbours, The Green Children, The Old People,The Silent People, Elf (ves)