Álfar

Álfar, or elves, are a class of beings found in Old Norse and broader Germanic folklore and myth. In Norse sources they are described as supernatural, often benevolent or neutral nature beings with magical powers and long lifespans. They are not treated as gods, but they interact with the gods, humans, and other beings in poems and narratives, influencing events in nature, health, and fortune.

Terminology and groups: The term álfar denotes the race of elves, with the singular álf. The word is closely related to the English elf and other Germanic cognates. Norse literature generally distinguishes at least two broad groups. Ljósálfar, the light elves, are depicted as fair, luminous beings associated with goodness and order; they are said to inhabit Alfheimr, a realm in some accounts connected to the gods. Dökkálfar or svartálfar, the dark elves, are described as underground dwellers and are sometimes equated with dwarfs (dvergar) in later tradition. The exact relationship between these groups—whether they are a single species with different environments or separate races—varies across sources and scholars.

Role in myth and folklore: Elves appear across skaldic poetry and Prose Edda narratives as powerful but elusive beings who can aid or obstruct humans. They are linked to natural places such as trees, rivers, and hills, and are sometimes invoked in rituals or charms for fertility, protection, or health. Their character ranges from benevolent guardians to mischievous or inscrutable beings.

Legacy: The álfar have influenced later fantasy literature and art, where elves are often portrayed with traits inspired by Norse and broader Germanic tradition. In contemporary Nordic folklore, belief in hidden people and elf-like beings persists in some communities, though interpretations vary.