Fairies are described as tiny, winged creatures that were first encountered in medieval folk stories and are thought to be either demoted angels or nature spirits. They are often depicted as human-like in appearance with magical powers and an affinity for sparkly things, bread, cake and living in nature, especially gardens. Some legends claim that fairies will die if humans stop believing in them or that they hate iron. Physical evidence of fairies is scarce but some point to small remains found in the English countryside.