Faery or Fairy? A Guide to Spelling the Fair Folk

If you think “fairies” are just cute pixies in tutus, you’ve been misled by a century of nursery rhymes. Real lore is much saltier—and deadlier.

I’m breaking down the spellings of faery vs. fairy vs. fae & why a writer’s choice of letters hints at potential danger (or dating). Hint: If there’s an “ae,” don’t eat the fruit.