Elves are nature spirits who appear in various folklore and mythology around the world. The term Elf encompasses various beings that vary across cultures, but it is most commonly associated with early Germanic tribes, Britain, and Iceland, as well as in Teutonic and Norse mythology.
Initially, the term Elf included all varieties of Fae in Anglo-Saxon, but it eventually came to represent a specific type of Fae. Over time, many cultures accepted this shift in meaning as well. Elves are human-like Fae who can change their appearance freely.
Depending on the culture, folklore, or location, Elves can go by different names, including –
- Schrat (German)
- Grove folk or Elvor (Sweden)
- Ellen or Elle Folk (Danish)
- Spae-wives (Iceland)