Fairies vs Pixies
Difference between fairies and pixies is not much complicated to understand. Fairies and pixies are characters found in folklore, comics and animated films all over the world. Kids just love these characters and identify with these lovable characters quickly. People, when they do not know the differences between fairies and pixies, often talk about them as if they are the same. Though there are similarities, they are different entities that have different features and appearance. This article will highlight the differences between these two fictitious characters. In highlighting the differences, the appearance, temperament, and the qualities of both fairies and pixies will be discussed.
Who are Fairies?
Most kids are aware of fairies as they get to hear stories from their mothers and grandmothers about these lovely and beautiful human-like creatures. Fairies are the most human-like. Fairies have human face and body, and also hair. So, they would appear as miniature humans. Fairies have large dragon fly wings on their back. However, in different books or movies you will see different types of wings for fairies. But, what all of them have in common is that fairy wings are usually large when compared to the size of the fairy. Fairies are 6 inches tall. Fairies look and behave just like human beings. They also wear clothes like humans. As far as the nature and temperament are concerned, fairies are generally kind and timid. They love celebrations and parties. Fairies spend most of their time among flowers and bugs. Fairies are mostly females. However, there are male fairies too as in Thumbelina and the Tinker Bell cartoons. Fairies possess magical powers, and they are known to bestow wealth, intelligence, and kindness upon those they love. They have powers to defy nature and can live under water. They love cheese and fruits. Curiously, fairies are allergic to silver.
Who are Pixies?
Most kids are unaware about pixies because they are infamous. Pixies have colored hair and skin. Pixies have butterfly like wings. These wings are not so large when compared to their body size. Pixies are just 4 inches in size. Pixies do not look like humans and pixies do not wear clothes. However, in some stories, you can see pixies in clothes. Pixies have pointed ears and wear pointed hats. When it comes to temperament, pixies are mischievous in nature and can sometimes be rude. They pull pranks on others and spend their time getting in trouble and putting others in trouble. If you have read Harry Potter or watched the movie, you can remember the damage the pixies do to the classroom of Professor Lockhart in the second book/ movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It is hard to tell about the gender of pixies. Pixies can take many forms. They enjoy stealing horses to ride. Pixies are constantly fighting fairies. They thrive on nectar and pollen and have a lifespan of 20 years. They are faster than fairies and ferocious fighters. They fight for the people whom they love and who love them. Pixies are also allergic to silver.
What is the difference between Fairies and Pixies?
• Fairies and pixies are fictitious characters from folklore and stories.
• Fairies are just like miniature human beings with large wings on their backs whereas pixies have colored skin and hair with butterfly wings.
• Pixies are smaller than fairies. Pixies are 4 inches in size whereas fairies are 6 inches in size.
• Pixies are mischievous and constantly fight with fairies.
• Fairies are kind hearted and love to bestow wealth and kindness upon people they love. Pixies fight for the people whom they love and who love them.
• There are both male and female fairies. However, it is difficult to say the gender of a pixie.
Images Courtesy: Fairies and pixies via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
Amanda says
In the the “who are fairies” you state Tinkerbell is a fairy when in fact she’s a pixie which is stated in the Peter Pan movie where she also resembles the mischievous character in the cartoon. I’m still kinda confused.
Alex says
I understand what you’re saying. To clarify. If you use the fact that the wings in the Tinkerbell series are more like dragonflies than butterflies her physical appearance can be described as a fairies. And yes Tinkerbell did act like a pixie in peter pan but it also states in the article that fairies think and feel like us humans. So the jealousy and stubbornness is going to come with it as shown in Peter Pan. I think that Peter Pan meant that she acts like a pixie. I hope this helps you understand better
Lorraine Marrie says
Yeah, but one of my theories is that maybe the Hollow “fairies” or whatever, and Tinkerbell and her movies are just them being hybrids between fairies and pixies? Unless Disney just, created their own version of fairies…I don’t know exactly. But what if they’re hybrids? I mean, the descriptions match all of them, all of the fairies from the Tinkerbell movies.
Phyx says
This is false.. Forgive my grammar or any typo since I’m using small device and english is not my native language.
The definition of fairy that we all know is wrong and created entirely for merchandise purposes, popularized by Walt Disney himself. In real context, fairies is what you called to female elves. Elves themselves are races just like as human but we call our female, woman. They are indeed beautiful just like what is told to many books including the famous JR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings. Pixies on the other hand is what your definition of fairies, only not that humanized. They look more like flowers or sprouts with limbs and does what is described above. They are the ones who take care and protect natures, doing nasty things to those who trespass.
Disney wants to take it further and make fairies more appealing in the eyes for children. By combining the definition of pixie and fairy with added dragonfly wings, they created a new and separate entity. They maintain the beauty of the fairies with their pointed ears and add the size and magical nature of pixies. Tinkerbell is the product of this, a fairy and a pixie combined.. This also explain the pixie dust.
Mari says
Your explanation is great, thanks for sharing it! It is so different from the other sites I came across, all off them saying the same things about pixies and fairies over and over again. But you brought new light to my thoughts, so I’d like to thank you.
And look at us, commenting on a post from 10 years ago like the good nerds we actually are XD