The Nature of Elves and Fairies

The original depiction of the race of elves comes from Norse mythology.  Created before humans, elves possess extraordinary powers and are associated with nature, particularly woodland and forest settings.

The way J.R.R. Tolkien depicts elves in his epic trilogy The Lord of the Rings is consistent with these Norse descriptions.  Somewhere between mortal and divine, elves are anywhere from five to seven feet tall with catlike ears.  They are said to be thin, strong, flexible, and quick.  In early mythology, elves and humans forged an eternal bond that has remained strong through the ages.

The basic concept of fairies originates from Irish mytholoty.  They were originally the acient people of Ireland, who when defeted in battle became assimilated into the hills and nature features of the land.  At first they became the Celtic gods and godesses, but in time, they evolved into the many types of fairies described in folklore and literature.

In their early forms, fairies were magical creatures that embodied the various aspects of nature and life.  Often with supernatural powers, they portrayed as being both helpful and harmful, depending on what kind of fairy they are and how you treat them.  This is why when dealing with fairies it's good to be able to identify the kind of fairy, and what the proper etiquette is in asking for what you want.  Give a fairy what it wants, and it will help you.  Mess with a fairy, and it will hinder everything you do.