Iron is the traditional bane of faeries. Some of the folk can not bear to touch it, while others will actually be forced away. All faerie tools and weapons are made of stone (in the case of the common flint arrowheads, or elf-shot), wood or less commonly bronze. This fear might also explain the marked decrease of faerie sightings since the industrial revolution.

Iron nails on the door would ward off faeries from a household, while placing a piece of iron in a baby's crib will keep a changling from taking its place. When entering into faerie mounds, sticking an iron knife in the doorway will ensure your escape. Wearing an iron cross, is a doubly effective ward against the wee folk since it uses both iron and religion .

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