Elves - Myth Or Reality? By Irsan Komarga | Submitted On February 15, 2010 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Share this article on Facebook Share this article on Twitter Share this article on Google+ Share this article on Linkedin Share this article on StumbleUpon Share this article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit Share this article on Pinterest Expert Author Irsan Komarga In Norse mythology, an elf is a divine creature, endowed with magical powers, which they use for the benefit or destruction of humanity. Known for their mischievous pranks, elves are smaller in stature than dwarfs and associated with similar creatures like fairies, gnomes, pixies and leprechauns mentioned in the mythology …show more content…
Different cultures have identified elves as dream creatures, minor gods, imaginary beings, nature spirits and souls of the dead. Like humans, elves carry both positive and negative traits in their absolute personality. They can be Santa helpers in Santa's toyshop or mischievous beings playing pranks on Noddy in toy land. The earliest preserved description on elves come from Old Norse (Scandinavian) mythology. It was believed that elves were men who lived in forests and in mountains, and human souls could be elevated to the rank of elves after death. Elves were segregated as dark elves (Dökkalfar) who dwell in the woods and caves, and light elves (Ljosalfar) who live in illuminated places or the sky. They are skilled metalworkers and artisans possessing supernatural powers and manufacture special gifts for the gods. While, elves of the mines guard the underground stores of gold and precious gems, are unpredictable and spiteful. In Germanic mythology, elves are miniature creatures who can bring disease to people and to cattle or can cause nightmares by sitting on a sleeping person's