I'm confused as to whether fairies and elves are the same beings (differing only in their names), related, or not related at all.
2006-11-26 14:16:41 · 10 answers · asked by SF21 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Fairies as we know them today (small, butterfly-winged humanoid creatures) are a fairly recent phenomena. The fairy folk had originally spanned a wide range of descriptions, from tall and fair angelic beings to short and wizened trolls.
2006-11-26 14:27:58 · update #1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy
2006-11-26 14:28:21 · update #2
elves and fairies are both generic terms. I've heard people describe sprites, brownies, pixies, and even nymphs as fairies; and I've heard people describe them as elves, as well.
The term "Fae" is used to describe prettymuch the whole realm, from Redcaps to Sluaugh, to Sidhe and goblins and gnomes and pixies, et cetera ad infinitum ad nauseum. A member of one of the umpteen-hundred races of Fae was called a Faery, which became fairy. So that's how come "fairy" got generic.
"Elf" comes from the scandinavian (I think) word "Alfar" which described other non-humans. Good ones were called Ljosfar (if I'm spelling it right) which meant light-elves. They were described as being very pale, or fair, which might be how they got mixed in with the "fairy" mess. And bad ones were called dvergar, which meant dark-elves, and dvergar became "dwarves," which also added to the whole thing.
So. Yes, the word "fairy" and the word "elf" are sort of related, but they are both simply classifications of TYPES of elves and types of fairies.
2006-11-26 14:38:35 · answer #1 · answered by Sarah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fairies And Elves
2016-11-07 07:43:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, there is actually a large mythological difference. The Tuatha de Dannan, today commonly known as your 'sidhe' of celtic legend were the basis for most of your elven myths. They were powerful, almost god-like beings of great beauty and skill, lords and ladies of great kingdoms. Faeries, on the other hand, was the term used to collectively describe your boggles, boggarts, and whatnot. Basically, your small fae with out much power except to take revenge for slights, or to protect a certain place, person, etc. The Tuatha were more or less considered the lords over your lesser kinds of fae, and would even be quick to war with them when angered.
2006-11-28 03:43:35 · answer #3 · answered by ziddystardust 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Celtic beliefs, the 'Elves' are the Sidhe ( pronounced
Shee'), there are 2 kinds and courts of Sidhe - - -the bright 'cheerful' ones called the Seleigh ( 'Seelee'), and the dark, selfish, violent ones called the UnSeleigh (Unseelee). They're both violent and unpredictable, but to keep them from being offended, they were often both called the 'fair folk'
2006-11-26 16:34:12 · answer #4 · answered by raxivar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elves, fairies and the stories about them are very different . Elves live in the ground, only, and fairies have wings, they can fly. They usually live in the hole in trees.
2006-11-26 14:20:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. I think Elves are a type of fairy.
2006-11-26 14:23:39 · answer #6 · answered by Persia Prince 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elves are a type of fairy.
2006-11-26 19:47:27 · answer #7 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are related, but not to me.
Remember the passage "Will you carry can and fight the fairies?"? You remember that one? Well that applies equally to elves.
2006-11-26 14:19:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not related.
2006-11-26 14:18:23 · answer #9 · answered by Joe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-11-26 14:18:05 · answer #10 · answered by confused 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋