The good elves lived either above ground or in Álfheimr, one of the nine worlds of Norse mythology specifically for the elven race, while the dark elves lived like dwarves in the ground. (Eddi van W./ CC BY 2.0 ) The Elves’ Homes Help Save Elfdalian, the Ancient Viking Forest Language of SwedenĮlves were separated into ‘light’ and ‘dark’ beings.Revealing the True Nature of Elves: Dangerous Beauties and Diabolical Fiends.Tuatha Dé Dannan, the Enchanting Predecessors of Irish Fairies and Elves.Thus, the álfar were similarly divided into good and evil, or the ljósálfar and dökkálfar, respectively. The closest comparison these writers could make was one with angels and demons-i.e., the followers of a good God versus the followers of a dark devil. Yet beings with dual natures did not translate well into the early medieval Christian religion. In the pagan faith, elves were capable of both good and bad moralities, just like the Faer folk of ancient Ireland, England, and Scotland. It is most probable that this division of the elven race arose when Christianity became dominant. The elves were broken down into groups of light and the dark elves, likely first by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century (though not definitively). Haunting and beautiful Middle-Earth-like elves. Further, sometimes these beings were considered gods or demi-gods, but they were also above the human race. The elves were very fluid creatures that did not adhere to normal gender or sexual roles. Elves in Norse literature are often described as beautiful, slim, tall creatures with pale skin and hair, and unknowable magical powers. It has long been believed that elves are creatures of goodness and light, however this is a misinterpretation of earlier texts. In Old Norse, elves are called álfar, though this term can be divided into subcategories. Germanic in nature, the mythology of the elven race comes from the pre-Christian Norse faith and language. ( Public Domain ) Elves in Pagan and Christian Times ‘The Elf Ring’ (1905) attributed to Kate Greenaway.

Rather, among the earliest depictions of the elven race are the early medieval sagas and poems of gods, wars, and even death. These are their roles in popular culture today, but it is likely unsurprising to read that their origins stem from sources much less merry and jolly. When one speaks of elves, the mind most often goes to those who work for Santa or Keebler, or those which hide from little children in the middle of the night. Santa Claus, Keebler cookies, and overloaded shelves.

God of war 4 elves