Visually, faeries resemble anthropomorphic wooden creatures that have a recurring theme of astronomy within their physical features, with the shapes of constellations marking their bodies in some way, as well as stained-glass aesthetics on both their bodies, wings, and through using their magic.
Like the angels and demons within the Trinity of Realities, faeries are a supernatural race with magic unique to them, which they use to traverse the layers of the Human World; while unconfirmed, Púca has also suggested they can open portals to both Paradiso and Inferno. Faeries are primarily skilled in the art of illusion magic, capable of creating vivid illusions, solid constructs, as well as entire pocket dimensions such as a TÃr Na Nóg. Faeries are also capable of harnessing the power of the Elemental Cores (grass, stone, water and fire).
As magical tricksters, faeries are a capricious race and unpredictable in their endeavors, earning them distrust from both angels and demons. Centuries ago, faeries were once native to the Human World, residing within Avalon Forest where they used their magic to lure humans into the forest and leech off their victims' vitality, leaving nothing more than wisps of human souls to forever wander the forest. They then torture and torment these wisps to feed on their negative emotions, or "vibes" to fuel their magic.
According to Lukaon, not all faeries are bad or seek to harm others, with him and his father Arthur desiring to coexist in peace with humans, angels and demons.
Despite initial appearances, Faeries are highly intelligent and developed. They understand their own politics, and mostly respect hierarchy with biped Faeries (which are stronger and more advanced than their quadruped counterparts) serving as leaders, generals, or teachers. They possess knowledge over smithing, working with metal and wood to craft weapons, tools, and even buildings and monuments. Some seem to understand human speech, and even Enochian.
Faeries seem to all follow a hierarchy under their king, and those who do seem to be named after different chess pieces and different minerals. However, not all faeries follow it strictly, as some faeries will often turn rogue and abandon or turn on their brethren, and even kings in the past have been overthrown by other faeries vying for authority of the kingdom.
A basic Faerie, wielding a large sword in battle. They often appear in groups, where Cereza must use her magic to bind them in place and allow Cheshire to attack.
A Faerie of a similar appearance to the Aos SÃ, Leipreachán use bear traps in combat, and set them down to act as roadblocks for Cereza. These can easily be dispatched by Cheshire in Hug Mode.
Armed with a large shield, Spriggans are Faeries of similar stature as other fodder Faerie types. Their distinguishing feature is the exclusively green-colored stained-glass elements.
The Amadán are mischievous clown Faeries found at Faerieland Tower. They are skilled in deception and trickery, and can summon barriers to protect themselves but are otherwise ill-suited for combat.
Biped wizards that summon spirits to help them in battle. The Faun will stay out of sight and command their spirits to attack and overwhelm their opponent.
The Sparcanagh are accomplished wizards with proficiency in faerie magic. Because of their skill, they are tutors to the Gean Canách. They will fight by casting a large number of spells to confuse an opponent.
Ringleader of the Amádán Faeries, the Amádán Dubh is a maniacal jester found in the circus of Avalon. He uses the Faeries to torment the wisps for fuel, while acting as the guardian of the Stone Shrine.
A former rook, the Jabberwock is a draconic fairy that appears in the skies of Avalon Forest in search of a meal, feasting on creatures and other faeries.
The son of the late King Arthur and Morgana, Lukaon was sealed inside the heart of Avalon Forest during the coup of Púca. While his body is frozen in place, his spirit inhabits the body of a white wolf.
Mobile bombs crafted by Faeries to detonate upon impact.
Affinity - Third Sphere, Angels (?) - Púca's Secret Weapon
An illusion created by Púca from the consciousness of past Umbra Witches who have ventured into the forest. Despite not being a real angel, its power is comparable to that of a real Affinity.
Notable Faeries[]
Faerie King Moltred[]
Faerie King Moltred was the first Faerie King of Avalon Forest. In life, he was a cruel tyrant who carried a blazing lance, called "the Infernus Pike", that gave him the nickname of "the Crimson King". His position was taken by Faerie King Arthur.
Gunzelhark[]
One of Moltred's generals during his reign, dubbed "the earth titan" possibly meaning they wielded stone elemental magic. Was defeated in the past by a young Arthur.
Odradine[]
The second of Moltred's generals, nicknamed the "ruler of the waterways" and so likely wielded water elemental magic. Was defeated by Arthur's rebellion in the past.
Fovylhund[]
The third of Moltred's generals to fall to Arthur's insurgence. Nicknamed "the fervid devil", they likely used fire elemental magic to fight.
Faerie King Arthur[]
Faerie King Arthur was the second Faerie King of Avalon Forest after he overthrew Faerie King Moltred after leading a heroic rebellion against the Crimson King. Arthur carried a legendary blade gifted by a goddess from Lake Nimueh near where he was born, that gave him power over water and rain. He married the Umbra Witch Morgana and had a son, Prince Lukaon. Arthur aspired to make peace between faeries and humans, but a faction of evil faeries led by Púca killed him and usurped his throne.
Faerie Queen Mab[]
Faerie Queen Mab is mentioned in the Mab Dachi weapon's description. She instructed a renowned blacksmith in medieval Japan to craft Mab Dachi in a dream.
Etymology[]
A faerie is an alternative name for fairies, a type of mythical being or creature found in the folklore of multiple European cultures. Also known as fae/fay or fair folk, they are often associated with themes of nature, matching their presence within Avalon Forest.
The faeries of Bayonetta are named and inspired by the faeries found in Celtic and Welsh mythology. Higher-ranking faeries are named after figures from Medieval English fairy literature, such as Arthur and Moltred referencing King Arthur and his nemesis, Mordred, and Mab sharing the name of the character from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Faeries were first mentioned in the original Bayonetta, with the description of the Onyx Roses (and Jeanne's equivalents, the Garnet Roses), mentioning that the shotguns contained the souls of "fairies" and each fired shell contains the curse of the trapped souls.
The faeries themselves are first seen in Bayonetta 3 during the playable demo for Bayonetta Origins found within the Old Picture Book. Upon completing the demo, the faeries ambush Cereza and bring the teaser to an end.
Additionally, the faerie's motifs of stained-glass and magic can be seen within the visual designs of both Luka's Strider transformation and Viola's faerie form, further emphasizing their connection to the race.
The faeries' culture draws inspiration from the legends of King Arthur and other stories created as part of the Matter of Britain, a body of Medieval English literature. Their residence in Avalon Forest references the mythical island ruled by the half-fae sorceress Morgan le Fay, where the sword Excalibur was forged. The conflict of the two faerie kings also allude to the final battle of King Arthur and Mordred, whom Arthur managed to defeat before succumbing to his injuries and was laid to rest at Avalon. In some stories, it is said that Morgan le Fay watched over his body. There are also versions that say that Arthur was revived thanks to Morgan healing him and stayed in Avalon, and he will one day return to guide his people as the "once and future" king.
In medieval writings, faeries are justified as angels who didn't take sides in the war in heaven. They thus represent a third party in the Bayonetta universe (not counting the wholly artificial Homunculi) and their residence, the Avalon Forest, is close to the valley where witches and lumen sages reside.
While angels and demons are associated with Enochian as they both speak it, the faeries are associated with Irish via Origins's soundtrack.
