Originally, fairies were considered gift givers to newborns, giving gifts of beauty, wealth, and kindness. Their role changed over time and they soon became known as mischievous people. Humans were incapable of seeing them unless the fairies wished otherwise. Also, the full moon on a Misummer's eve allows the viewing of fairies. A self-bored stone is also rumoured to allow fairies to be seen by mortals, although animals could see them clearly at any time.
During Elizabethan times and the Middle Ages, fairies were feared and their image was negative. They were considered ugly and human-sized. Housewives would bribe the fairies to clean their house by setting out treats. If they didn't, fairies would often times reek havok in their homes.
Shakespeare was the first, of that time, to portray fairies as kind and
generous creatures, though they were still mischievous.
Click the links to find out more about the king, queen, and Puck.
Oberon
Titania
Puck
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