Elfking

Elfking refers to a figure of folklore, most famously known from the German ballad "Erlkönig" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In this ballad, the Elfking is a supernatural being who tries to lure a child away from his father. He is depicted as a seductive and dangerous entity, promising the child various pleasures and fantastical realms if he comes with him. The child, however, grows increasingly ill and frightened by the Elfking's presence and pleas to his father. The ballad culminates with the child's death, suggesting the Elfking's power is absolute in claiming his victim.

The figure of the Elfking draws on older Germanic and Norse traditions of elves, often portrayed as powerful, ambiguous, and sometimes malevolent spirits. While "elf" in modern English often connotes small, benevolent creatures, historical folklore frequently depicted them as beings of immense power, capable of causing illness, madness, or death. The Elfking, as a king or ruler of these beings, embodies a supreme authority within this supernatural realm. His allure is often associated with a deceptive beauty or a promise of otherworldly delights, masking a sinister intent. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the unknown and the fragility of life when confronted by supernatural forces. The enduring popularity of Goethe's ballad has cemented the Elfking's image as a prominent figure in literature and the broader cultural understanding of folklore.