In the meantime, (yes this is elf related) I am working on novella for my Legendary Consultants series. It will be a Christmastime release titled To Thine Own Elf Be True. I'll start writing this story sometime around March, but I'm already doing my pre-work to determine the details. For me that means researching elf lore and deciding on how my own elven world will work.
Which got me thinking...how are Santa's Elves so different from, for example, Tolkien's Elves? And what other kinds of elves are out there? I thought I'd share some of my early findings starting with what wikipedia says on the topic (I'll be researching this with more sources, of course, but I'm just getting started):
Historical Origin
According to wikipedia, the concept of elves seems to have started in Norse mythology and grown in common belief in medieval Germanic countries. There are many different accounts, but most accounts agree that elves were "magical beings with supernatural powers." The character of elves seems to differ between regions and time periods, though most seem to point to elves being more harmful than good--playing tricks on humans and deceiving them.
First Documented Elves - Good Looking, Magical
The first elves appearing in manuscripts show up in medieval England where they are sometimes linked with nymphs. However, most often they are tiny, invisible demons who afflict humans and livestock with illness. They had a medical term for it: elf-shot. Sounds a lot like cupid right, but not with a good reason?
In Middle English, they take on more human forms, gather some sexual allure, and start to blend with fairies. For example, we see them in Geoffrey Chaucer's satirical Sir Thopas where the title character sets out in quest of the 'elf-queen', who dwells in the 'countree of the Faerie'.
Elizabethan Era - Small
In Elizabethan England, the concept of elves eventually mixed up with that of fairies, while German folklore most often mixed them together with dwarves. The influence of Shakespeare and Michael Drayton made elves and fairies very small creatures, and had a lasting effect seen in fairy tales about elves collected in the modern period.
Victorian Era - Pointed Ears & Stocking Caps
English and German literary traditions both influenced the British Victorian image of elves, which appeared in illustrations as tiny men and women with pointed ears and stocking caps.
1800s - Santa's Elves
Mostly thanks to the poem now referred to as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, we now got the Christmastime concept of Santa's elves. Again tiny creatures with pointed ears and stocking caps, they help Santa in his toy shop.
Most modern fantasy elves draw their concept from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. These elves tend to be human sized, but more beautiful and wiser than humans, with sharper senses and perceptions. They are said to be gifted in magic, mentally sharp and lovers of nature, art, and song. However, they kept their pointy ears from the Victoria Era.
Modern Day - Changing It Up, But Still the Same
Still, we do see some alternate concepts of elves in modern day literature and movies. Sort of. Each new take still incorporates many of the now-standard ideas of elves. For example, J.K. Rowling's depiction in her Harry Potter novels puts elves back to being little, magical creatures with pointed ears, but more humbled in the role of servant-slaves. Or, in the animated movie Rise of the Guardians, Santa's elves are still tiny with pointed ears and stocking caps, but they're not the true helpers. Instead abominable snowmen are the actual workers.
What are your favorite concepts of eleven lore? Do you like the pointed ears? Are you more drawn to the magical aspects? Do you have a favorite elf from literary or movie depiction? What do you think I should incorporate into my upcoming story?
6 comments:
I love seeing all the different versions of elves, how they've changed from era to era. Fun post!
Great post. I love elves, so this was really fun to read. I also love the elf presents under the pillow tradition you have added to the Elf on a Shelf fun for your kids. Lifelong memories. Priceless.
I have my own favorite elves (Thranduil!). Nice to see the various comparisons here.
Interesting info about elves. We've had an Elf on the Shelf for years, sigh. I must say, the extra effort involved has soured me a bit on elves. Perhaps the new perspective you've provided will allow me to move past that. :) Great post!
I used to think of elves as cute and little. Then I read The Hobbit and LOTR. Wow, warrior elves. Different perspective. I like the latter better. Fun post.
Glad y'all enjoyed the post! I love doing research into the history behind legends, myths, and creatures. It's always interesting. :)
My grandparents started the elf gifts under the pillow when my mom was a child. Mostly small gifts that would keep the kids occupied. Lol. My mom continued it, and we were able to incorporate elf on the shelf into it. One of my favorite family traditions!
And Legolas will probably always be my favorite elf! :)
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