{"id":516753,"date":"2025-05-02T01:08:25","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T01:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=516753"},"modified":"2025-05-02T01:08:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T01:08:25","slug":"what-metal-hurts-fae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/","title":{"rendered":"What metal hurts Fae?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#The_Bane_of_the_Fae_Unraveling_the_Mystery_of_Metal_and_the_Fair_Folk\" title=\"The Bane of the Fae: Unraveling the Mystery of Metal and the Fair Folk\">The Bane of the Fae: Unraveling the Mystery of Metal and the Fair Folk<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_about_the_Fae_and_Metal\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Fae and Metal\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Fae and Metal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#What_exactly_is_%E2%80%9Ccold_iron%E2%80%9D\" title=\"What exactly is &#8220;cold iron&#8221;?\">What exactly is &#8220;cold iron&#8221;?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Are_all_types_of_iron_harmful_to_the_Fae\" title=\"Are all types of iron harmful to the Fae?\">Are all types of iron harmful to the Fae?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Is_steel_as_effective_against_the_Fae_as_iron\" title=\"Is steel as effective against the Fae as iron?\">Is steel as effective against the Fae as iron?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Can_the_Fae_touch_or_hold_metal_objects\" title=\"Can the Fae touch or hold metal objects?\">Can the Fae touch or hold metal objects?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Are_there_ways_for_the_Fae_to_circumvent_irons_effects\" title=\"Are there ways for the Fae to circumvent iron&#8217;s effects?\">Are there ways for the Fae to circumvent iron&#8217;s effects?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Is_silver_also_harmful_to_the_Fae\" title=\"Is silver also harmful to the Fae?\">Is silver also harmful to the Fae?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#What_about_other_metals_like_gold_or_copper\" title=\"What about other metals like gold or copper?\">What about other metals like gold or copper?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#What_other_substances_repel_the_Fae_besides_metal\" title=\"What other substances repel the Fae besides metal?\">What other substances repel the Fae besides metal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Can_knowing_a_Faes_true_name_protect_me\" title=\"Can knowing a Fae&#8217;s true name protect me?\">Can knowing a Fae&#8217;s true name protect me?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#How_can_I_protect_my_home_from_unwanted_Fae_visits\" title=\"How can I protect my home from unwanted Fae visits?\">How can I protect my home from unwanted Fae visits?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#If_I_am_trapped_in_a_Fey_contract_how_can_I_escape\" title=\"If I am trapped in a Fey contract, how can I escape?\">If I am trapped in a Fey contract, how can I escape?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#What_should_I_do_if_I_suspect_someone_is_a_Fae\" title=\"What should I do if I suspect someone is a Fae?\">What should I do if I suspect someone is a Fae?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#What_kind_of_offerings_will_keep_Fae_happy\" title=\"What kind of offerings will keep Fae happy?\">What kind of offerings will keep Fae happy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Are_there_any_resources_that_can_help_me_learn_more_about_Fae_lore\" title=\"Are there any resources that can help me learn more about Fae lore?\">Are there any resources that can help me learn more about Fae lore?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/#Can_Fae_have_relationships_with_humans\" title=\"Can Fae have relationships with humans?\">Can Fae have relationships with humans?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bane_of_the_Fae_Unraveling_the_Mystery_of_Metal_and_the_Fair_Folk\"><\/span>The Bane of the Fae: Unraveling the Mystery of Metal and the Fair Folk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The answer, whispered across centuries of folklore, is clear: <strong>cold iron<\/strong> is the metal that hurts the Fae. More than just an inconvenience, iron, particularly that which is cold-worked and not heated in a forge, is historically believed to be anathema to the <strong>fair folk<\/strong>, capable of repelling, containing, or even mortally wounding them. This aversion isn&#8217;t merely a superstition; it&#8217;s a deeply ingrained element in the mythology surrounding fairies, elves, and other beings from the <strong>Faerie realm<\/strong>. But why? What is it about this seemingly mundane metal that strikes such fear into the hearts of the Fae?<\/p>\n<p>The reasons behind iron&#8217;s detrimental effects on the Fae are multifaceted and shrouded in lore. Some believe it stems from the <strong>Fae&#8217;s inherent connection to nature<\/strong>. Iron, forged by human hands and extracted from the earth, represents a disruption of the natural order, a violation of the wildness the Fae embody. Others posit that iron&#8217;s strength and durability symbolize human ingenuity and progress, forces that directly oppose the capricious and often stagnant nature of the Faerie world. It is also important to remember that belief in the power of iron to harm the Fae may stem from an actual historical period where groups of people using iron weapons were able to subjugate or defend themselves from people who didn&#8217;t have iron weapons. Some suggest that this is where the myth of the fairy folk began. These &#8216;fairy folk&#8217; who used &#8216;magical&#8217; tactics were armed with bronze, which was no match for the iron blades of the invaders. Therefore, iron became known as the enemy of the &#8216;fairy folk.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever the true origin, the belief in iron&#8217;s power over the Fae is pervasive in folklore. From horseshoes nailed above doorways to ward off unwanted visits to iron charms carried for protection, the association between iron and fairy defense is undeniable. But the story doesn&#8217;t end with iron. Other materials and tactics can also be used to defend yourself from the Fae. Keep reading to learn more!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_about_the_Fae_and_Metal\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Fae and Metal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This comprehensive FAQ section addresses common questions and misconceptions, drawing from diverse sources of folklore and contemporary fantasy.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_%E2%80%9Ccold_iron%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>What exactly is &#8220;cold iron&#8221;?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cold iron isn&#8217;t necessarily cold to the touch. It refers to iron that has been worked <strong>without the application of heat<\/strong>. In blacksmithing terms, it&#8217;s iron that has been hammered or shaped while at room temperature. Think of tools like files and chisels that are hardened, but not forged in a fire. This method of working the metal further intensifies its believed detrimental effects on the Fae.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_all_types_of_iron_harmful_to_the_Fae\"><\/span>Are all types of iron harmful to the Fae?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While cold iron is considered the most potent, <strong>any form of iron<\/strong> is generally believed to be unpleasant, if not outright harmful, to the Fae. The degree of aversion may vary depending on the type of iron, the strength of the Fae in question, and the specific circumstances.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_steel_as_effective_against_the_Fae_as_iron\"><\/span>Is steel as effective against the Fae as iron?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Steel is a processed alloy made primarily of iron, and is also believed to be harmful to Fae in some lore. While <strong>steel is stronger than iron<\/strong>, its magical properties may be perceived differently depending on the tradition. Some sources suggest steel retains the anti-Fae properties of iron, while others prioritize the purity of cold iron.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_Fae_touch_or_hold_metal_objects\"><\/span>Can the Fae touch or hold metal objects?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The effects of touching iron are not consistent across all lore. Some traditions depict the Fae as experiencing <strong>immediate pain and burning<\/strong> upon contact. Others portray it as a debilitating weakness or allergy, causing sickness, rashes, or a loss of magical power. It&#8217;s more of an allergy than a deadly poison in most stories.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_ways_for_the_Fae_to_circumvent_irons_effects\"><\/span>Are there ways for the Fae to circumvent iron&#8217;s effects?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some powerful Fae can resist or negate iron&#8217;s effects, through the use of magic, sheer willpower, or by employing substitutes like <strong>magically produced aluminum<\/strong> (as seen in some fantasy literature). The level of protection often depends on the Fae&#8217;s individual strength and the strength of the iron in question.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_silver_also_harmful_to_the_Fae\"><\/span>Is silver also harmful to the Fae?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, along with Iron, <strong>silver is commonly cited<\/strong> as another metal that is harmful to the Fae. The association of silver with purity and the moon lends it a similar anti-Fae quality as iron, though the specific effects may differ.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_about_other_metals_like_gold_or_copper\"><\/span>What about other metals like gold or copper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The reaction of the Fae to other metals is less consistently defined. <strong>Gold<\/strong>, often associated with wealth and royalty, might hold some allure for certain types of Fae. <strong>Copper<\/strong>, connected to healing and magic, might be neutral or even slightly beneficial in some cases.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_other_substances_repel_the_Fae_besides_metal\"><\/span>What other substances repel the Fae besides metal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Besides iron and silver, <strong>rowan wood, salt, running water, bread<\/strong>, and <strong>church bells<\/strong> are traditionally believed to repel or ward off the Fae. These substances often symbolize purity, protection, or a connection to the mortal realm that the Fae find distasteful.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_knowing_a_Faes_true_name_protect_me\"><\/span>Can knowing a Fae&#8217;s true name protect me?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some legends state that knowing the <strong>&#8220;true name&#8221; of a supernatural being<\/strong> (spirit, faery, demon) grants power over it. The reverse is also possible: if a Fae knows your complete name, maybe this gives it power over you.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_protect_my_home_from_unwanted_Fae_visits\"><\/span>How can I protect my home from unwanted Fae visits?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Traditional methods include nailing <strong>horseshoes<\/strong> (made of iron, of course) above doorways, sprinkling salt around the perimeter of your property, planting rowan trees near your home, and keeping a loaf of yeast-risen bread in your kitchen. Also, be respectful of the <strong>Fae&#8217;s territory<\/strong> and avoid disrupting nature.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_I_am_trapped_in_a_Fey_contract_how_can_I_escape\"><\/span>If I am trapped in a Fey contract, how can I escape?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Fey Contracts \u2013 How To Beat the Fairies: Accepting a gift &#8211; Don&#8217;t accept the gift. Thanking it for a gift &#8211; Again, just don&#8217;t do this. Stealing something from it &#8211; it won&#8217;t bind you to a contract if it&#8217;s dead. Killing someone who owes them &#8211; Again, kill the Fae.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_I_do_if_I_suspect_someone_is_a_Fae\"><\/span>What should I do if I suspect someone is a Fae?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Touching them with a piece of iron could confirm their lineage by seeing them get itchy or develop a rash or something, but it doesn&#8217;t deal damage and sufficiently powerful Fae can basically just ignore it since it&#8217;s \u2026<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_kind_of_offerings_will_keep_Fae_happy\"><\/span>What kind of offerings will keep Fae happy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not being consistent with offerings can annoy the Fae, so be careful. They also love <strong>cream<\/strong>, which, like alcohol, intoxicates them.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_any_resources_that_can_help_me_learn_more_about_Fae_lore\"><\/span>Are there any resources that can help me learn more about Fae lore?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are many books, folklore collections, and academic resources dedicated to the study of fairies and related mythological beings. You can explore collections of folktales like those compiled by the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> and learn about the history of game design at <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong>, which will help you understand how beliefs and folklore have been integrated into modern forms of entertainment. In this way, the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> is a great source for learning about the intersection of folklore and modern gaming.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Fae_have_relationships_with_humans\"><\/span>Can Fae have relationships with humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Fae can have relationships with humans. Not very often does a fae have a mortal mate, because the death of a mate is emotionally harrowing for the remaining partner. Mating bonds can develop between a Fae or halfling and an individual of another humanoid species and of any gender.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the Fae and their relationship with metal requires delving into a rich tapestry of folklore, superstition, and cultural beliefs. The aversion to iron is a cornerstone of this mythology, shaping our perception of these enigmatic beings and the boundaries between the mortal and Faerie realms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Bane of the Fae: Unraveling the Mystery of Metal and the Fair Folk The answer, whispered across centuries of folklore, is clear: cold iron is the metal that hurts the Fae. More than just an inconvenience, iron, particularly that which is cold-worked and not heated in a forge, is historically believed to be anathema &#8230; <a title=\"What metal hurts Fae?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-metal-hurts-fae\/\" aria-label=\"More on What metal hurts Fae?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-516753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/516753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=516753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/516753\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=516753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=516753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=516753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}