Fairies
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"It was often said (in other families) that long ago one of the Took ancestors must have taken a fairy wife."[1]
Faërie (also called Fairy, Faëry, Faery) refers to the otherworldly sphere of the Maiar (and sometimes the Elves).[source?]
Other versions of the legendarium
In early writings, Fairies was a name for the Elves.[2][3]
Etymology
J.R.R. Tolkien's concept of Faërie uses a deliberate variant spelling of fairy. While both spellings derive from Middle English faie ("possessing magical powers"), the name fairy carry connotations of 'prettiness'. Tolkien wanted to distance himself from this modern sense, and by using Faërie (variants included Faery and Fayery) he sought "connotations older and considerably darker".[4]
See also
External links
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, passim
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, passim
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien; Verlyn Flieger, Douglas A. Anderson (eds.), Tolkien On Fairy-stories: Expanded edition, with commentary and notes, p. 85
