Book excerpt: The most complete book on these powerful magical beings. Elves and fairies provide a magical mirror into the human psyche and can help people better understand themselves. In The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Elves and Fairies, readers encounter and learn from an array of magical creatures, and discover how they can positively influence their lives. Key topics include fairy magic in the 21st century, how to recognize an elf and what to do when you meet one, how to attract good elves and fairies, and how to protect yourself from bad ones. • The Lord of the Rings trilogy, on film and DVD, have increased people’s interest in elves and their ways. • Brian Froud’s bestselling titles, including The Faeries' Oracle, Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, and Lady Cottington’s Fairy Album, have kept fairy lore and fairy images in the public eye for more than 25 years. • This book explores fairy tales, folklore, and mythology, including modern fairy tales like the Harry Potter series.