The difference: elves and fairies

When you think of elves or fairies, you often think of the same creature. A little human being who has wings and is beautiful. However, goblins and fairies are quite different, and in many legends they don’t even get along.

Elves live in gardens and meadows. They prefer to garden because their diet consists of nectar and honey. They are generally peaceful, but will go to war with a fairy for the territory if necessary. These creatures are not immortal; they are believed to live between 15 and 20 years. Some legends portray them with wings, others without them. Most are dressed in green to blend in with the garden or meadow. They all have pointed ears.

All goblins love to steal ponies for fun and they enjoy teasing each other. Not immune to jokes from humans, these little critters also often cause trouble for pets as a way to amuse themselves. They are smaller than their fairy counterparts, averaging 4 inches tall. They are deadly allergic to silver and even a brush against the metal can send them to their deaths.

A fairy is about 6 inches tall and is often considered bossy. While these creatures are portrayed as beautiful winged beings full of magic and mystique, they can be mischievous and warlike. Fairies will go to war for property and will often wage war with their counterparts.

Fairies are immortal and have the ability to bestow gifts to people of their choosing. They have magical powers that allow them to be creative and fly, as well as the ability to disappear when a human approaches. Living where they choose, different types of fairies inhabit different areas. Most fairies avoid big cities because they prefer the freedom of open spaces and fresh country air. Most cities are “inhabited” with other magical creatures such as elves and gnomes.

Fairies eat fruit and cheese and have the same aversion to silver as a pixie. Fairies have the ability to manipulate the elements, and they often do. They enjoy making things like shoes and often steal household items from humans to complete their projects.

Both types of creatures have been in human folk tradition since the beginning of time. Every culture has a story about little winged creatures that bring fortune or trouble. Many of the legends and associated magical creatures, such as brownies and gnomes, have their origins in England and Ireland. But every society mentions them at some point.