ARE FARIES REAL?
2007-08-21 05:04:03 · 9 answers · asked by Albert t 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
No
The origin of the word "fairy," as given by Thomas Keightley in his Fairy Mythology, and later in the Appendix of his Tales and Popular Fictions, is the Latin fatum, "to enchant." The word was derived directly from the French form of the root. The various forms of the root were:--
Latin . . . . fatum, "to enchant."
French . . . . fee, feerie, "illusion."
Italian . . . . fata.
Provencal . . . . fada.
In old French romance, fee was a "woman skilled in magic." "All those women were called Fays who had to do with enchantment and charms and knew the power and virtue of words, of stones, and of herbs, by which they were kept in youth and in great beauty and in great riches." This was true also of the Italian fata.
The word "fairy" was used in four senses. Fairy represented:--
(1) Illusion, or enchantment.
(2) Abode of the Faes, the country of the Fays.
(3) Inhabitants collectively, the people of Fairyland.
(4) The individual in Fairyland, the fairy Knight, or Elf.
The word was used in the fourth sense before the time of Chaucer. After the appearance of Spenser's Faerie Queene distinctions became confused, and the name of the real fairies was transferred to "the little beings who made the green, sour ringlets whereof the ewe not bites." The change adopted by the poets gained currency among the people. Fairies were identified with nymphs and elves. Shakespeare was the principal means of effecting this revolution, and in his Midsummer Night's Dream he has incorporated, most of the fairy lore known in England at his time. But the tales are older than their name.
2007-08-21 07:33:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes fairies are very real to many people. I myself saw a gnome once so I am the first to say that is possible. Also, contrary to popular belief, fairy folklore can be found all over the world. Not just in Ireland. With the vast history and legends that surround the fairy folk I say that it is very possible that they exist.
2007-08-21 14:35:39 · answer #2 · answered by peace_by_moonlight 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As crazy as it might sound, yes, I believe that faries do exist--to an extent. I don't believe that you can see them in the exact form of which everyone pictures: wings, glowing, pixie dust. I believe that they are spirits of nature--in the wind, the trees, the water..the sky.
2007-08-21 12:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by Crystal♥of♥Iris 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is an Irish tale that Fairies are angels who were just a bit too mischievous for heaven, but not near bad enough to go to Hell. So, they were sent to Ireland which has always been a bit of both.
2007-08-21 13:20:42 · answer #4 · answered by Terry 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on what you define as fairies. To me a fairy is simply an elemental spirit. If that is what your friend means, then, yes, I believe so. If you're talking about the fairies that are in popular fairy tales, then, no, they're not.
2007-08-21 14:20:52 · answer #5 · answered by Young Wiccan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are unicorns?
Some people believe in them. Some people believe in elves.
If they do exist, they're doing a good job pretending not to. Why ruin that by runing around saying they exist?
2007-08-21 12:08:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have to do this.
Lots of people call me a fairy and I am real.
2007-08-21 18:17:49 · answer #7 · answered by Ray T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe the do but i never saw one maybe they are invisible and jus helps people how r in need so maybe i got some help and didn't know it was them
2007-08-21 13:25:24 · answer #8 · answered by kevin c 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no idea... sorry :(
2007-08-21 12:07:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋