Queen Mab is a figure from English folklore known as the queen of the fairies. She is traditionally depicted as a tiny, mischievous but generally benevolent fairy who influences dreams. The most famous literary reference to Queen Mab is in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , where Mercutio describes her as the "fairies' midwife" who rides in a tiny chariot over sleeping people, delivering their innermost wishes in the form of dreams
. Her origins are somewhat debated. Some theories suggest her name derives from the Irish legendary queen Medb, though their characters differ significantly. Other theories link her name to the Welsh word "mab" meaning "child" or to medieval figures such as Dame Habonde. Another plausible origin is from the Middle English name "Mabily," derived from the Latin amabilis meaning "lovable." Historically, "Mab" was also a nickname for a lower-class woman or a witch, and the title "queen" may be a pun on "quean," an old term for a prostitute
. In literature beyond Shakespeare, Queen Mab has appeared in various works, sometimes portrayed as the queen of the fairies or elves, and has been associated with power, magic, and chaos. In some fantasy mythologies, such as in the Gargoyles series, she is depicted as a powerful and arrogant fairy queen who was the original ruler of the Third Race, mother to Oberon, and a figure of considerable magical strength
. Overall, Queen Mab embodies the archetype of the fairy queen in English folklore and literature, blending elements of mischief, magic, and dream- bringing
