The True Origins of the Fey and Fairies: Ancient History & Dark Folklore Revealed

Ever wonder why we still whisper “fairy” like it’s a secret? Or why old stories warn you never to thank one, step in a fairy ring, or accept food from the “good folk”? The truth is, the beings we now call fairies (or the Fey) weren’t always cute winged sprites with glitter trails. For thousands of years they were powerful, unpredictable, sometimes terrifying forces of nature and the Otherworld.

Let’s dive into the real history—straight from ancient myths, medieval manuscripts, and the folklore that refused to die.

1. They Weren’t “Fairies” at First—They Were Gods, Ancestors, and Spirits

The word “fairy” only became popular around the 13th–14th century (from Old French faerie, meaning enchantment or the realm of enchantment). Before that, people had many names for them, and none were fluffy.

In Ireland, they were the Aos Sí (“people of the mounds”) or Daoine Sí (“people of the fairy hills”). These were the Tuatha Dé Danann—literally “the people/gods of skill”—a race of ancient, magical beings who once ruled Ireland. When humans arrived, the Tuatha retreated underground into the sídhe (mounds) rather than fight to extinction. They became the hidden nobility of the land, still capable of blessing or cursing.

In Scotland, they were the Sith (pronounced “shee”) or the “Good Neighbors” (a polite euphemism because you didn’t want to offend them by using their real name). Same deal: fallen gods living in fairy hills, barrows, and standing stones.

In Wales, the Tylwyth Teg (“Fair Family”) were beautiful but dangerous—luring humans into lakes or mountains, sometimes marrying them, sometimes never letting them leave.

The pattern is clear: the Fey weren’t created as “cute helpers.” They were downgraded deities, powerful ancestors, or nature spirits demoted when Christianity swept through Europe. People stopped worshipping them and started fearing (and placating) them.

2. They Were Dangerous—and People Knew It

Medieval and early modern folklore is full of warnings:

Don’t eat fairy food — it binds you to their realm forever (the classic Persephone pomegranate rule).

Never thank a fairy — gratitude puts them in your debt, and they hate owing anything.

Fairy rings are portals or dance circles. Step inside and you might dance for a hundred years while only one night passes in our world.

Iron hurts them — that’s why horseshoes over doors, cold iron knives under pillows, and iron scissors in cradles were common protections.

The Sluagh (the Host) were the most feared: a storm of restless dead/fairies that flew at night, stealing souls or abducting the dying.

They could bless you with luck, music, or beauty… or curse you with madness, wasting sickness, or changeling children. They weren’t good or evil—they were alien, bound by their own rules and taboos, and humans were trespassers in their world.

3. Where Did the “Wings & Sparkles” Come From?

The cute, winged fairy we know today is surprisingly modern.

Pre-1700s: No wings. Fairies were human-sized or taller, often beautiful but eerie. They rode horses, wore green, carried iron-tipped arrows, and lived in courts underground or in palaces of glass and gold.

Victorian era (1800s): Writers like the Brothers Grimm, Andrew Lang, and the Romantic poets softened them. Wings appeared in art (inspired partly by dragonflies, partly by angels). Tinker Bell (Peter Pan, 1904–1911) sealed the deal—small, winged, sparkly, and mischievous but ultimately cute.

20th century onward: Disney, fantasy novels, and modern paganism turned them into friendly (or at least morally understandable) beings.

So the “classic fairy” is only about 150 years old. The original Fey? Much older, much wilder, and much less interested in your feelings.

4. Fun & Strange Facts You Can Drop at Parties

In Ireland, farmers still avoid cutting down lone hawthorn trees because they’re “fairy trees” and bad luck follows.

The word “changeling” comes from the belief that fairies swapped human babies for their own sickly ones—parents would leave the “changeling” by the fire or in a river to force the fairies to return the real child.

Some Scottish stories say the Queen of Elfland (the fairy queen) kidnapped Thomas the Rhymer and kept him for seven years—he came back a prophet but could never lie again.

In some traditions, fairies hate salt, running water, and church bells—classic protections against the uncanny.

Modern Fiction Keeps the Old Magic Alive

Today’s fantasy authors are bringing back the darker, more mysterious side of the Fey—less glitter, more glamour, bargains, and peril. One of my favorites is the Evelyn Speckleplum series by D. Golden Conlin. It dives straight into the hidden portals, deceptive fey spirits, ancient kingdom, and the thrill of stepping into the Fey Realm without losing yourself (or so you hope).

If you love stories where the magic feels ancient, dangerous, and beautiful all at once, check out Evelyn Speckleplum: The Fey Realm (and the sequel The Monarch's Inferno)—available now!

Grab your copy (or audiobook escape): https://amzn.to/4hWdb1F

What’s your favorite fairy folklore fact or modern fairy tale? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!