LATE ECLIPSES open thread. Have a party.

I'm also curious *why* iron things hurt the fae so much.

Historically, it's always been that way, and it probably hasn't been especially researched as to *why* - although we've clearly seen that others have researched how to use it to their advantage (elf-shot, the doors to the prison cell, the cell itself). (Both in the series context, and in the fairy tale context in general.)

From a purely scientific aspect, you can theorize that the magnetic properties of iron are disruptive to the powers of the fae. Perhaps the fae have a component that reacts to magnetic fields (the way birds and other migratory animals are theorized to have), and so iron is disruptive in that regard. It kinda makes me wonder how a fae would react to a large dynamo or other EM-generator.

But, again, short of having actual fae to experiment *with* (not on), there's no way to be certain.

That's pretty much the theory that Pratchett uses in explaining how iron affects his elves.

Which may well be where I got it from.

Steal well.

I have a theory about wrought iron being a symbol of humanity taming nature (without wrought iron, axes and shovels are kind of a bust), while the fae, being more naturey, find that in opposition to their philosophical being on a physical level. Sort of. Like vampires and religious symbols, almost.

There are other things fey aren't "allergic" to, though, that are as much a symbol of humanity taming nature, to my mind.