elf

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a supernatural being from Germanic folklore, later often imagined as graceful, magical, and humanlike

   The legend tells of an elf who guards the forest spring.

2. 2
   noun

   a small, playful magical creature, often represented as mischievous or as a helper

   Each child in the play wore the pointed cap of an elf.

3. 3
   noun

   literary: a small, lively, or mischievous person

   Her uncle affectionately called the energetic child an elf.

Simplified etymology

Elf is an Old English word related to German Alp “nightmare.” Elves were once imagined as dangerous beings that caused illness and nightmares or stole children, but later tradition made them more fairy-like, while Tolkien portrayed them as noble and beautiful.

From Middle English elf, from Old English aelf or ielf, continuing a common Germanic name for a supernatural being. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it has often been associated with an Indo-European word for 'white.' Folklore, Christmas tradition, and modern fantasy developed different images of the elf.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary