Elves

INTRODUCTION
When someone thinks of Elves, the first image that usually comes to mind is pointy ears. But there is more to the Elven or Elfin race than pointy ears. Elves actually belong to a long-mythological tradition. The term Elf comes from the Scandinavian Alfar.

====                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  HISTORY OF THE ELFIN RACE                                                                                                                     ====

Elves are a wood-dwelling [diminutive]humanoid species known for their pointy ears, warrior skills and nature-fueled abilities. The origins of Elves is placed among the Germanic tribes of Europe, and the first appearance of Elves is in Norse mythology. Elves are believed to be another branch of the human tree, in that they are related to humans in the same way that neanderthals are. Apparently, humans grew to outnumber them and the Elfin race was forced to live deep in the woodlands, similar to faeries.This may be connected to another legend that suggests Elves are forsaken children of humans and faeries. Another origins story is that elves are [minor]fertility gods in comparison to the major Scandinavian fertility gods (The Vanir). They are therefore associated with nature. They dwell in trees, and are often protectors of nature and natural habitats.

PORTRAYAL OF ELVES/CHARACTERISTICS
Though Elves are often pictured as diminutive creatures who are about half the size of an average humans, their sizes can vary. Some elves are portrayed as fully human-sized. Such is the case in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings saga. Sometimes there is a distinction made between the tall, beautiful, stern and regal elves and the wood elves, the diminutive, wild kind. Wood elves are often mischievous and witty. There is often a distinction made between light elves(ljosalfar) who live in the sky and dark elves (dokkalfar)who live on earth. This an an association made between black elves and dwarfs. Moreover, it is unclear whether the black and light distinction affects their appearance. In terms of features, elves are often described as fair, and are typically portrayed with blonde hair and pale skin, hinting at their Scandinavian heritage. Typically, it is their pointy ears or diminutive size that separates an elf from a human.

ELFIN ABILITIES
Elves are a long-lived race. They are immortal. They are also quite powerful. Female elves are often considered sexual and seductive. Elves in general are believed to inflict pain and diseases when they are crossed. In Scandinavian myth, people can draw elf-repellent crosses on their doors. The power of dance is one of the powers that elves use to inflict diseases on humans. They can use dance to seduce men to their deaths, or create mushroom-looking circles or rings, which can trap or ensnare. If people watch elves dance, time will pass them by, whereas it stands still in the elfin world. Elves are frequently portrayed as skilled fighters (Lord of the Rings, 2001; Dungeons and Dragons) and are typically armed with a bow and arrow. Their accuracy with their bow and arrow is perfect and their skills with swords are exceptional. Often, also, they are strong. Elves frequently have the ability to disappear. Often, due to their connection with nature, they can heal others and themselves.

ELVES AND HUMANS
Though they are kindred, it appears that Elves and humans don't get along well. It perhaps goes back to the story of humans out-populating Elves and chasing elves into the deep woodland. Often, in Elfin tales, elves are segregated from humans, with few exceptions. The elf kingdom is called Alfheim (Elphame or Elf land). Often times, it can be called Dream, suggesting a transcendental state between reality and the surreal. However, in the Norse tales, it is possible for humans to become elves after death, which seems to suggest that Elves are human spirits who've become one with nature. This is the case with the kielves.

POPULAR ELFIN TALES


ng Olaf-Geirstad-Elf and the smith hero Volundr, who became rulers of the elves. Often, the relationship between humans and elves is sexual. It is possible for them to create children through sexual communion. There are many tales of humans taking elves as lovers and vice versa.Elves and humans appear to have a general mutual respect for each other.

ELVES IN REAL LIFE
In Scandinavia where the elfin myth originated, people continue to believe in the huldafolk or "hidden people," they believe dwell in the deep woods or caves. However, outside of Scandinavia, the elfin tales are simply tales. But, there is one time of year when elves can be said to be real.

Elves are very popular during the Christmas holiday in North America, where they work side by side with mall Santa Clauses. Santa's elves are believed to be from the North Pole, where they live and work with Santa, building and wrapping toys. During Christmas they join Santa to hand them out. It is unknown where the story of elves as Santa's helpers come from; however, closer inspection suggests that Santa's elves more closely resemble dwarfs than actual Elves can be found in many modern and traditional tales. Arguably, the most accomplished writer of elfin tales is J.R.R. Tolkien. He has written extensively on elves and Alfhiem in his stories. Among his most popular writings are: The Book of Lost Tales, 1917-1927The Hobbit, 1930-1937The Lord of the Rings saga,(1937-1949). The Lord of The Rings was transformed into an Oscar-winning epic movie in 2001-2003. Many older elfin tales come from Scandinavia. Among the best known are: Volundarkvoia, Thidrek Saga,The saga of Hrolf Kraki and The Saga of Thorstein, Viking's Son.