The difference: pixies and fairies

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

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

All pixies love to steal ponies for fun, and they enjoy pulling pranks on each other. Not immune to human pranks, these little creatures also often cause trouble for domestic animals as a way of having fun. They are smaller than their fairy counterparts, averaging 4 inches in height. They are fatally allergic to silver and even a brush against the metal can send them to death.

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

Fairies are immortal and have the ability to bestow gifts on the people they choose. They have magical powers that allow them to be creative and fly, as well as the ability to disappear when approached by a human. Living where they choose, different types of fairies inhabit different areas. Most faeries avoid big cities, preferring the freedom of open spaces and the fresh air of the country. Most of the 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 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 folklore since the dawn 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, originate from England and Ireland. But every society mentions them at some point.