Based on traditional folklore accounts, particularly those from Scotland referenced, fairies are not universally friendly to humans. Instead, their disposition and interactions range significantly, often involving danger or malice.
Fairies in Folklore: A Spectrum of Intent
In many folklore traditions, including the specific Scottish folklore mentioned, the world of fairies is often depicted as complex and not simply benevolent. The provided reference highlights a key division within this realm:
- The Seelie Court: Described as more beneficently inclined towards humans. However, the reference is clear that even these fairies are still dangerous. Their interactions often involved playing what were considered generally harmless pranks, though "harmless" from a fairy perspective could still be disruptive or unsettling for humans.
- The Unseelie Court: Conversely, this court is depicted as more malicious. Fairies belonging to the Unseelie Court often actively sought to bring harm to humans, sometimes for entertainment.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding this division is crucial because it demonstrates that one cannot make a blanket statement about all fairies being friendly.
- Even the fairies with a better disposition (Seelie Court) are explicitly noted as being dangerous. This suggests their "beneficence" does not equate to guaranteed safety or harmlessness from a human perspective. Their pranks, while perhaps not intended to cause grave injury, could still be tricky or inconvenient.
- The existence of the Unseelie Court, which is characterized by malice and a desire to cause harm, directly contradicts the idea of fairies being inherently friendly.
Therefore, while some individual fairies or groups might lean towards being less harmful or even helpful in rare instances (though not detailed in the specific reference provided), the overall depiction, especially considering the structured courts, indicates a relationship with humanity marked by potential danger, unpredictable behaviour, and outright malice from certain factions.
Summary of Fairy Courts and Human Interactions
Here is a simple comparison based on the reference:
| Fairy Court | General Disposition | Stated Danger Level | Common Interactions with Humans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seelie | More Beneficently | Still Dangerous | Played generally harmless pranks |
| Unseelie | More Malicious | High (Implied) | Often brought harm for entertainment |
This breakdown illustrates that the relationship between fairies and humans in this context is far from one of simple friendship or universal goodwill. Instead, it's a complex dynamic involving entities that range from dangerously tricky to actively malevolent.
