Elves and Fairies - The Unofficial Guide

Fairies have added mystery and delight to stories for hundreds of years. Whether they are tall, beautiful and kindly, like the peris described in The Tales of the Arabian Nights, or small, homely, mischievous hobs, goblins and house brownies, these magical creatures appear in stories from all over Europe.

Tinkerbell, in Peter Pan, has many ancestors. William Shakespear described the Fairy Queen, Mab, as being no bigger than the gemstone in a ring, so we can be sure that people have believed in these tiny creatures for at least 400 years.

Fairies first appeared in French stories in the 1780s. Many of our favourite fairytales - such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty or Beauty and the Beast - were written at the same time. They describe unearthly beings that range from beautiful, young nymphs to ugly and tetchy fairy godmothers.

The behaviour of fairies varies from story to story. Sometimes they help hapless princes, punish naughty children and reward the good; but sometimes they are much more dangerous to the humans who crossed their path, as you will discover...

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Believe in Fairies - Anonymous

Believe in Fairies,

Who make dreams come true.

Believe in wonder,

The stars and the moon.

Believe in magic,

From Fairies above.

They dance on the flowers,

And sing songs of love.

And if you just believe,

And always stay true,

The Fairies will be there,

To watch over you...