Faeries

rhaine_patrick · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:30 am **Posts:** 211

Is there really a magical being called "fairy" or it is just a generic term used to refer to those small beings (sometimes human-sized) with magical powers from all over the world? If yes, what are their characteristics that make them different from others?

This thread is also open for any other discussions about fairies.

Keetsune · **Joined:** Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:57 am **Posts:** 11

from what I recall, fairy is used to refer to certain forms of european mystical creatures, and the kind most associated with it for resembelance is the Pixie. (tiny person with wings and magic) Interesting note, if I recall, is that the leaders of large groups of Pixies or that have unusually high magical powers are known as High Pixies.

The 東方 Fan · **Posted:** Wed Jul 29, 2009 2:12 pm

Well, I thought I might as well have a look at what the Touhou Wiki had to say, and this was it.

Quote:

A fairy (妖精, pronounced "yousei") is a simple creature of magic that represents some aspect of nature. Many of them are also simple-minded.

Fairies may have abilities relating to the four seasons, weather, emotions, longevity, decay, fertility, or other aspects of nature. The power exercised by a single fairy is usually harmless and small scale, so they're more suited to playing around, rather than causing major happenings. Fortunately, most fairies are easily amused.

That of course is only ZUN's personal interpretation for his games. Might have some bearing on the typical view of fairies in eastern culture. Generally seems pretty similar to the European origins.

On a side note, I will be celebrating my favourite fairy on the 09/09/09, the day of Cirno the Ice Yousei, by printing a batch of T-Shirts bearing the ⑨ symbol and doing something stupid. Only comes once a century after all. Glory to the ⑨!

. . . ^_^'

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YoukaiAlchemist2 · **Posted:** Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:41 am

i think fairies are any number of distinct creatures of mythology that seem to be a part of natures. i have seen nymphs, elves, pixies, sprites, and elemental beings like the Undine called "Fairies"

rhaine_patrick · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:30 am **Posts:** 211

In terms of physical features, what are the differences between fairies and pixies?

thetanukikaji · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:55 am **Posts:** 61

I'm with YA. From what I understand the term "fairie" means fair folk. It is a designation for many different beings, like youkai is. So a pixie IS a fairie, but so is an elf or dwarf.

rhaine_patrick · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:30 am **Posts:** 211

I found this website:

http://faerie.monstrous.com/fairy_encyclo.htm

After reading a lot from this website, I’m convinced that the term “fairy” encompasses many beings from different mythologies that are associated with nature and do not refer to a specific race of beings.

I noticed that many beings similar to elves and dwarves are considered fairies; does it mean elves and dwarves together with their relatives also fall under the category of fairy?

thetanukikaji · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:55 am **Posts:** 61

Short answer is yes.

rhaine_patrick · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:30 am **Posts:** 211

I have something in mind. If the term fairy refers to various races of magical beings that are usually associated with nature then why in dictionaries and in common usage they are referred to as “small human-like beings with wings”?

thetanukikaji · **Joined:** Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:55 am **Posts:** 61

Because it's popularized. Just like any steel that has a pattern is called Damascus. Be it wootz or pattern welded stuff. Neither is from Damascus, but because people in France during the crusades found it there they called it Damascus steel and it became popular to call it that. So today we call it damascus.

Faeries

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