Spiritual Beings: Fairies

Fairies, or 'la fata', are those angels that stayed neutral during the Hostwar. When the world was divided, they were forced to live in Purgatory, alongside the souls of the dead who were not sufficiently holy or unholy to go to heaven or hell. Fairies are defined by their intense interest in the mortal world: they are the most active of all the immortals, and can cross over the most easily. Often, their crossing over relies upon a set of conditions, such as the phase of the moon, and binding oneself with prohibitions.

Fairies are the most diverse of the immortals. The greater fairies all have their own particular interests and areas of influence, and may be attended by many lesser fairies who mimic their queens' particular interest: for example, the Queen of Winter of the northern mountains is attended by many lesser fairies who fashion their identities around icicles, snow, winter animals, or the like; and she and her court are also served by enslaved souls. Some are kindly towards mortals, and half-fairy children are common in folklore; others are malicious and destructive. All fairies will commonly abduct mortals for their amusement. Greater fairies always manifest themselves as women. Lesser fairies are most commonly women or animals. 

Art: Detail from 'Primavera.' Sandro Botticelli, c. 1480.

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