Most fairy types you see in media and culture originate from Aos Sí or Aes Sídhe of Irish mythology. They are hailed as immortal godlike beings also known for their trickery and benevolence. They have powerful magics and are shapeshifters that only sometimes take human form.

Most modern fairies take from different Aos Sí. An example would be the Banshee. Banshees are infamous mostly for their association with death, known mostly for their power over voice and their horrific screams. It’s said a banshee is a fairy woman who wails and morns for a soon to be deceased loved one. Her cries are considered a warning for the soon-to-be departed.

Another example of modern fairies are leprechauns. Leprechauns are the most well known fairies when it comes to Irish association. One of the more mischievous fairy types, they’re known for their love of all that is gold and their incredible shoe making skills. A myth is that if you catch one it’ll grant you three wishes for its freedom.

Pooka are some of the less human ones, known as a fairy that takes the form of different animals. Portrayed as a black horse with fiery eyes, they’re depicted as very mischievous fairies who play pranks on humans. But they also guide lost travelers out of their forest and protect the wildlife.

The Dullahan are most recognized as the “Headless Horseman”. Terrifying fairies associated with death and darkness, it is said that if you encounter one it’s a sign of your imminent death. Depicted as a headless man on a horse who carries his own head as a lantern.

Changelings are some of the more scary as they are said to take the place of a newborn child. They are an example of people not knowing what caused illness or disabilities in the olden times as those with children who were born with those were thought to be replaced by a fairy. Most modern versions of this folklore forget that detail entirely though, just sticking to them replacing children.

Those are only a few of the most common examples of the Irish Aos Sí appearing in modern media. They take many shapes and forms. If this is interesting, it’s encouraged to look into the fae and all the different origins of commonly known fairies of our time. Fairies don’t only come from the Irish.