Authentic Fae & fairies from Celtic & Germanic folklore

 These beings have a long history in European folklore and they're not the sweet & beautiful fairies of fairy tales and modern fantasy!

Learn more about these lesser-known mythical creatures here.

Fae Origins

Fae is an umbrella term for a wide variety of folklore creatures that operate in an otherworldly but still earthly place - this overview has all the basics about what they are, how they operate and how they've evolved.

What are fae or fae folk and what is their history?

Household & domestic fae

These fae are spirits of co-existence and most often tied to a specific family or dwelling. Their stories are built on rules, reciprocity and the consequences of breaking fragile pacts.

The Scottish brownie

The Danish Nisse

Nature fae

These fae are spirits tied to a place and they personify or guard a specific natural feature. Their stories are usually about respecting boundaries, the danger of trespassing and the "otherness" of the wild.

The Scottish Bogle

Ghillie Dhu

Dark fae

These fae are mostly task-bound spirits and encounters are dangerous, direct and often signal death or misfortune. They aren't always "evil" as such, but their purpose is usually of the darker variety.

Redcap - the murderous goblin of Scottish folklore

The Dullahan - the dark fae spirit of Irish folklore

Bean Nighe - a dark fae spirit of Scottish folklore