The People
The hidden civilization of magic and technology dwelling beneath the human world.
The People is the collective term used within the Artemis Fowl universe to describe all fairy races and species living in secret beneath the Earth's surface. This vast civilization encompasses diverse groups such as Leprechauns, Gnomes, Pixies, and Banshees, who maintain a hidden existence separate from humanity. They operate under strict secrecy protocols to prevent discovery by Surface Dwellers while managing their own complex societies.
- First Appearance
- Artemis Fowl (2001)
Lore & Background
The People retreated underground following an ancient conflict with humanity, establishing a secret society governed by strict secrecy protocols. Their culture is deeply rooted in preserving their existence while utilizing advanced capabilities that blend traditional magic with futuristic engineering. This separation has created a complex dynamic where humans are often viewed as dangerous or primitive, though exceptions exist for those who prove trustworthy. Governance within this civilization is decentralized yet interconnected, involving councils that oversee different regions like Hibernia. While generally hostile or indifferent to humans initially, interactions have shifted over time due to cross-species alliances and the necessity of cooperation during crises. The LEP (Lower Elements Police) serves as the primary law enforcement body, with LEPrecon operating as a specialized reconnaissance unit within the LEP tasked with maintaining separation and investigating breaches of protocol.
In Their Own Story
A young Gnome technician adjusted the holographic display in the dimly lit control room of Hibernia. Above them, miles of rock separated this bustling underground metropolis from the noisy surface world. She watched a feed of a human city, wondering if they would ever know what lay beneath their feet. A chime sounded; a LEPrecon agent entered, his armor gleaming with nanotech. The secret was safe for another day.
Reader's Guide
The People constitute a vast subterranean civilization composed of numerous distinct fairy races, including Leprechauns, Gnomes, and Pixies. Following an ancient conflict with humanity, they retreated beneath the Earth to avoid detection, establishing a secret society governed by strict secrecy protocols. Their technology is a unique fusion of magic and advanced nanotechnology, allowing them to manipulate matter and heal injuries rapidly. Governance is complex, often involving councils that oversee different regions like Hibernia. While generally hostile or indifferent to humans initially, interactions have shifted over time due to cross-species alliances. The organization known as LEPrecon serves as the primary law enforcement body tasked with maintaining this separation and investigating breaches of protocol. Magic is treated scientifically within their culture, studied in institutions like the Academy for Magical Sciences. This unique worldview separates them from human superstition, grounding their powers in tangible mechanics that only they understand fully.
Did You Know?
- They utilize nanotechnology for rapid healing and advanced weaponry.
- Humans are not universally penalized with memory alteration for knowing about the People; other measures may be taken, and trusted individuals like Artemis Fowl are allowed to retain their knowledge.
- The People's economy has historically relied on resources including gold, but is more complex, incorporating concepts like time as a currency in some contexts, and digital systems are not a simple replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who exactly counts as The People?
This term encompasses every magical race living beneath the Earth, including Leprechauns, Gnomes, and Banshees. They collectively distinguish themselves from humans, whom they call Surface Dwellers to maintain secrecy.
What kind of technology do The People use?
Their society relies on a unique blend of ancient magic and advanced nanotechnology that surpasses human capabilities. This fusion allows them to hide their civilization effectively while maintaining powerful defenses against surface threats.
Who enforces the law within this underground society?
The Lower Elements Police, known as LEPRECON, serves as the primary military and police force for all fairy races. They are responsible for protecting their world from human discovery and handling internal security breaches.
Why is The People important to Artemis Fowl's story?
Their hidden wealth and resources initially drive Artemis’s criminal schemes, particularly his obsession with the Leprechaun gold. Throughout the series, their interactions transform him from an antagonist into a protector of their secrets.
Do The People remain completely hidden by the end of the books?
While they largely maintain their secrecy protocols, the barrier between their world and humanity becomes more porous as alliances are formed. By the series conclusion, select humans know the truth, but the general public remains unaware to prevent conflict.