Are Fairies Real?

So are fairies real? This question brings in a host of other aligned questions, about reality, belief, perception, social consensus, personal experience, and more. So in search of answers, I decided to ask that ‘which knows all’ – OpenAI, also known as ChatGPT. Dear GPT, “Are Fairies Real?” And the answer –

“The existence of fairies is a subject of folklore and mythology, and there is no scientific evidence to prove their existence. Fairies are typically depicted as small, supernatural beings associated with nature and magic in various cultures around the world. However, their existence is considered to be more within the realm of fantasy and imagination rather than tangible reality. It’s important to note that beliefs in mythical creatures like fairies vary among different cultures and individuals. Some people may believe in their existence as part of their cultural or spiritual beliefs, while others may view them as purely fictional creatures. Ultimately, the existence of fairies is a matter of personal belief and interpretation.”

Same answer to ‘Do fairies exist?’. Oftentimes when seeking answers, one needs to ask the right question. It is similar in the spiritual search, where it is not a matter of the right spiritual teacher, but rather the right student. The right student will learn from the wrong teacher, and vice versa, the right master is lost with the wrong disciple. So is the question ‘Are fairies real?’ the right question? That is a good question in itself. In any case, I then asked the internet, father of ChatGPT, with a slight change in the question, ‘Are fairies real, yes or no?’, no pussyfooting around here. But alas…

First answer – “In modern day, fairies have been associated with children’s books, resulting in the moniker, “fairy tales,” according to Live Science. Though the belief in fairies still exists to present day, there is no concrete proof for or against the existence of fairies.”

Then there are the answers, “Obviously, we have no real evidence that fairies exist, but at the same time, it’s difficult to prove that they don’t.” or “Sadly, they are as real and proven as any gods. Nice to think about, but pretty useless in reallife.” (Sigh…)

And then the Irish perspective, “Fairies are very much alive and thriving here in Ireland. You may or may not be surprised to learn that, in Irish Culture, fairies are not just part of history and mythology. Belief in the ‘Wee People’ is still alive and kicking.” (Better…)

Fair enough, that pretty much sums things up well enough, believe what you want. And as my father used to say, “All discussion stops at ‘I believe…'”. For me, fairies are a beautiful belief, adding poetry to the world, magic, wonder, a subtle coloring, richness and the more I look around at the modern world, the better they look, gotta say. The whole question as to if they are real or not doesn’t matter to me, at the least, they are a beautiful imagining and perhaps much more. Who am I to assume I see all of reality, or even the slightest bit of it beyond my simple world and limited sight? And maybe that is enough, I mean do I really want one to walk up to me and step on my foot or punch me in the gut saying, “Is that real enough for you!” Maybe…

But for now, fairies and the fae are a meditation to me, a creative contemplation, a personal exploration, enriching my life and wonder. I believe in fairies like people believe in many things, religions of course, scientific conclusions (ex. flat earthers), social (my country is the best), personal (I am…) and so forth, the whole spectrum of behavioral, unconscious, conscious and rational or irrational beliefs. You can read more here about beliefs – Wikipedia (overview).

Fairies also represent a challenge to me, from the simple perspective that my life is less without them. They certainly exist and are real in my reality, as myth, as art, in entertainment, in history, in imagination, and a thousand other manifestations. Does it make them more real if they are walking around in a corporeal body, cooking food, going to the doctor, driving, credit cards and so? Are they less real if they are just a spark in the dark, a brush of wind energy, a transparency in this world? Nope, not a matter to me, my world is better with them, however they are or are not, real enough, real enough.