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Every man Quote by Neil Gaiman

“A question like “How big is Faerie?” does not admit of a simple answer. Faerie, after all, is not one land, one principality or dominion. Maps of Faerie are unreliable, and may not be depended upon. We talk of the kings and queens of Faerie as we would speak of the kings and queens of England. But…” quote by Neil Gaiman
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““A question like “How big is Faerie?” does not admit of a simple answer. Faerie, after all, is not one land, one principality or dominion. Maps of Faerie are unreliable, and may not be depended upon. We talk of the kings and queens of Faerie as we would speak of the kings and queens of England. But Faerie is bigger than England, as it is bigger than the world (for, since the dawn of time, each land that has been forced off the map by explorers and the brave going out and proving it wasn’t there has taken refuge in Faerie; so it is now, by the time that we come to write of it, a most huge place indeed, containing every manner of landscape and terrain). Here, truly, there be Dragons. Also gryphons, wyverns, hippogriffs, basilisks, and hydras.””

Neil Gaiman

About This Quote

Source Book: The Sandman, Volume 1, The Dream Hunters, 1999

Faerie is a boundless, ever‑changing realm beyond ordinary maps, housing mythic creatures and hidden histories.

In simple terms: Faerie is a limitless, mysterious world.

Key Takeaway

Explore imagination beyond fixed borders.

Themes

mythology imagination boundlessness hidden worlds

Mood

wonder mystery adventurous

Type

literary descriptive inspirational

When to use this quote

  • fantasy writing
  • world‑building
  • role‑playing games
  • creative storytelling
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

faerie mythic creatures cartography cultural memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you define a place that defies mapping?
  • What does Faerie represent in your inner landscape?
A Different Perspective

Maps cannot capture the fluid nature of magical realms.

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