What happens if you tell a fairy thank you?
Mia Moss
Published Jan 22, 2026
Fairies live in a society where 'thank you' is the worst swear word that can be said by an unknowing human. They are far more likely to forgive you for deliberately stamping on their foot a hundred times or dunking them in a well, than if you utter those two words of blasphemy in their presence.
Can you thank fairies?
There is one caution, however: certain fairies do not like to be thanked. It is against etiquette. No fault can be found with a bow or a curtsy, and all questions should be politely answered." I have previously mentioned how influential Briggs' work has been to modern fantasy.Why are you not supposed to thank fairies?
Faerie time is different from Earthly time. Try to not say thank you. The fae find it disrespectful as it dilutes their act of kindness or whatever they have done for you. Say "you are most kind" or "I appreciate your help/act of kindness/fellowship" etc.What happens if you give the Fae your name?
Names hold power. If a faerie asks for your name and you say it, you're giving them power (and possibly complete control) over you. The best thing to do in this situation is to give the faerie a made-up name or your nickname.Do fairies steal names?
Fairy NamesFairies often conceal their names from humans in order to preserve their power, but are as often careless in doing so, meaning that they are outwitted in the end.