Elf: Difference between revisions

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Elf is a mythical creature that originates from Germanic mythology and Norse mythology, and has been widely popularized in modern fantasy literature and media. Elves are often depicted as youthful-seeming beings, possessing great beauty and longevity, alongside a range of magical powers. The concept of elves has evolved significantly over the centuries, influenced by folklore, literature, and popular culture.

Etymology[edit]

The word "elf" comes from the Old English word ælf, which has parallels in all other Germanic languages. The Germanic word is originally from the Proto-Germanic '*albiz*', which is possibly derived from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'white' or 'bright'.

Characteristics[edit]

Elves are commonly described as taller than humans with pointed ears and ethereal features. They are often associated with nature, living in forests, and having a deep connection to the earth and its wildlife. Elves are typically portrayed as wise, with a deep knowledge of magic and ancient lore. In many depictions, elves are immortal or live exceptionally long lives.

Cultural Depictions[edit]

1. 1. In Mythology

In traditional Germanic and Norse lore, elves are often divided into light elves (Ljósálfar) and dark elves (Dökkálfar), with the former residing in the heavens and the latter found underground. They could be benevolent or malevolent towards humans.

1. 1. In Literature

Elves gained immense popularity through the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, who redefined elves in his Middle-earth legendarium, notably in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s elves are an ancient race of powerful beings who are more noble and wise than humans, with intricate cultures and languages.

1. 1. In Popular Culture

Elves have become staple characters in modern fantasy genres, appearing in a myriad of books, films, and video games. They are often key characters in high fantasy settings, such as in the Warcraft series, The Elder Scrolls, and Dragon Age.

Elves in Festive Culture[edit]

Elves also play a prominent role in Christmas folklore, particularly in American and other Western cultures, where they are depicted as Santa Claus's helpers, making toys in his workshop at the North Pole.

Elf gallery[edit]

Ängsälvor - Nils Blommér 1850
Phonological development of the word elf in English
Alden Valley
Eadwine Psalter f 66r detail of Christ and demons attacking psalmist
Beowulf - ylfe
Semantic field diagram of words for sentient beings in Old Norse
Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Kibble Palace. William Goscombe John - 'The Elf', 1899
Margarethe Luther 1527
Scott Minstrelsy Works v1 p195 True Thomas tune
Älvalek

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{jpg-image}}
+{{Fantasy-stub}}
-'''Elves''' are a supernatural species or beings found in various mythologies, folklore, and fantasy literature. They have been depicted in a multitude of ways, ranging from mischievous or malevolent creatures to wise, noble, and magical beings. The concept of elves has evolved significantly over time, influenced by cultural exchange and literary imagination.
+'''Elf''' is a mythical creature that originates from [[Germanic mythology]] and [[Norse mythology]], and has been widely popularized in modern [[fantasy literature]] and media. Elves are often depicted as youthful-seeming beings, possessing great beauty and longevity, alongside a range of magical powers. The concept of elves has evolved significantly over the centuries, influenced by folklore, literature, and popular culture.
-==Origins and Evolution==
+==Etymology==
-The origins of elves can be traced back to [[Germanic mythology]] and [[Norse mythology]], where they are referred to as ''álfar'' in Old Norse. In these mythologies, elves are often associated with the divine or the natural world, possessing magical powers and beauty. They are sometimes considered benevolent, aiding humans, or malevolent, causing harm. The distinction between light elves (''Ljósálfar'') and dark elves (''Dökkálfar'') in Norse mythology reflects their dual nature.
+The word "elf" comes from the Old English word ''ælf'', which has parallels in all other [[Germanic languages]]. The Germanic word is originally from the Proto-Germanic '*albiz*', which is possibly derived from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'white' or 'bright'.
-With the spread of Christianity and the transformation of pagan beliefs, the perception of elves began to change. In medieval and early modern European folklore, elves became more associated with the idea of small, mischievous beings causing illness or helping with household chores. This period also saw the amalgamation of elves with similar creatures from other cultures, such as the Celtic ''sidhe''.
+==Characteristics==
+Elves are commonly described as taller than humans with pointed ears and ethereal features. They are often associated with nature, living in forests, and having a deep connection to the earth and its wildlife. Elves are typically portrayed as wise, with a deep knowledge of magic and ancient lore. In many depictions, elves are immortal or live exceptionally long lives.
-The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed a revival and reimagining of elves in literature, largely influenced by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s works, such as ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. Tolkien's elves, inspired by Norse and Celtic mythologies, are portrayed as a wise, immortal, and noble race, living in harmony with nature. This depiction has had a profound impact on modern fantasy literature and media, establishing elves as a staple of fantasy races.
+==Cultural Depictions==
+### In Mythology
+In traditional Germanic and Norse lore, elves are often divided into light elves (''Ljósálfar'') and dark elves (''Dökkálfar''), with the former residing in the heavens and the latter found underground. They could be benevolent or malevolent towards humans.
-==Characteristics==
+### In Literature
-Elves are often described as youthful-seeming men and women of great beauty, living in forests, caves, or other natural settings. They are frequently attributed with magical abilities, including enchantment and healing. In folklore, their moral alignment varies, with some stories presenting them as helpful and protective, while others depict them as tricksters or malevolent beings.
+Elves gained immense popularity through the works of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], who redefined elves in his [[Middle-earth]] legendarium, notably in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. Tolkien’s elves are an ancient race of powerful beings who are more noble and wise than humans, with intricate cultures and languages.
-In modern fantasy, elves are typically portrayed as skilled warriors and archers, as well as powerful magicians. They are often characterized by their long lifespans or immortality, heightened senses, and a deep connection to nature and magic.
+### In Popular Culture
+Elves have become staple characters in modern fantasy genres, appearing in a myriad of books, films, and video games. They are often key characters in high fantasy settings, such as in the ''[[Warcraft]]'' series, ''[[The Elder Scrolls]]'', and ''[[Dragon Age]]''.
-==Cultural Impact==
+==Elves in Festive Culture==
-Elves have had a significant impact on popular culture, appearing in a wide range of books, movies, video games, and other media. They are a popular subject in fantasy literature and role-playing games, where they are often depicted as one of the primary races alongside humans, dwarves, and orcs. The portrayal of elves in media has varied, reflecting their complex and evolving nature in mythology and folklore.
+Elves also play a prominent role in Christmas folklore, particularly in American and other Western cultures, where they are depicted as Santa Claus's helpers, making toys in his workshop at the North Pole.
 ==See Also==
 * [[Fairy]]
+* [[Gnome]]
+* [[Troll]]
 * [[Dwarf (mythology)]]
-* [[Troll]]
-* [[Norse mythology]]
-* [[Celtic mythology]]
 [[Category:Mythological creatures]]
-[[Category:Germanic mythology]]
-[[Category:Norse mythology]]
-[[Category:Folklore]]
 [[Category:Fantasy creatures]]
+== Elf gallery ==
-{{myth-stub}}
+<gallery>
+File:Ängsälvor - Nils Blommér 1850.jpg|Ängsälvor - Nils Blommér 1850
+File:Phonological development of the word elf in English.png|Phonological development of the word elf in English
+File:Alden Valley - geograph.org.uk - 417197.jpg|Alden Valley
+File:Eadwine Psalter f 66r detail of Christ and demons attacking psalmist.png|Eadwine Psalter f 66r detail of Christ and demons attacking psalmist
+File:Beowulf - ylfe.jpg|Beowulf - ylfe
+File:Semantic field diagram of words for sentient beings in Old Norse.gif|Semantic field diagram of words for sentient beings in Old Norse
+File:Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Kibble Palace. William Goscombe John - 'The Elf', 1899.jpg|Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Kibble Palace. William Goscombe John - 'The Elf', 1899
+File:Margarethe-Luther-1527.jpg|Margarethe Luther 1527
+File:Scott-Minstrelsy-Works-v1-p195-True Thomas tune.jpg|Scott Minstrelsy Works v1 p195 True Thomas tune
+File:Älvalek.jpg|Älvalek
+</gallery>