What are elves and what do they look like?<\/h2>A caped-figure holding a bow and arrow runs in the snowy forest.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>Elves are hominims, probably a population that split away from Homo sapiens<\/em> about 500,000 years ago. Perhaps because elves are so elusive and rarely observed for long, early descriptions of elves vary considerably.<\/p>Elves were known as the \u2018hidden people\u2019, the huldra<\/em> of Nordic tradition. Nevertheless, a characterisation of them has developed over time. They are small (zwerg<\/em>, the German name for dwarf, began life as a synonym for alf<\/em>, the Norse word for elf), stealthy, magical, beautiful and ambivalent in their relationships with humans (the word \u2018elf\u2019 means \u2018evil spirit\u2019 in Low German).<\/p>We now know them to be about 40cm in height, slender of frame and highly secretive in their general habits.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1146005117-32e00fe.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
Twisted oak trees in Dartmoor.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>Where do elves live?<\/h2>
The habitat of the elf is woodland<\/a> and the wilder corners of the countryside. Find them in those secret places, such as dark woods, near large crevices in rocks and alongside streams with overhanging trees \u2013 anywhere far from or hidden from humans.<\/p>Likely locations are the mossy elven world of Wistman\u2019s Wood, Dartmoor<\/a> and the spritzing waterfalls at the Birks of Aberfeldy<\/a>, Perth and Kinross Spy, while Godshill in the New Forest<\/a>, Hampshire<\/a> is an elf hotspot.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1339258343-a6c04a6-e1669993692940.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
A lamp lights a small door in the tree trunk in shaded woodland\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>They are known to live in hollow trees, often digging downwards to form comfortable quarters, or in disused badger<\/a> setts. Both Wistman’s Wood<\/a> and the New Forest<\/a> are famous for their mosses (visually, Wistman\u2019s Wood is entirely moss!) and it is with moss that elves roughly clothe themselves.<\/p>In summer, they will hide and sleep under a blanket of moss. However, perhaps elves are becoming braver in their habits, almost recklessly so, with credible reports of the \u2018urban elf\u2019, perhaps migrating via overgrown railway embankments.<\/p>
What do elves eat?<\/h2>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1433157174-350866b.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) fungus is a favourite food for elves. \/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>Elves are the ultimate omnivore, hunting small mammals and birds, collecting fungi<\/a>, leaves, roots and fruits, and not hesitating to eat insects and other invertebrates. They are particularly fond of the bright red fly agaric \u2013 to identify this elf delicacy, check out our guide to UK mushrooms<\/a>.<\/p>- What is a fairy ring and what causes mushrooms to form a circle?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
How to spot an elf?<\/h2>
The essence of elf-watching is to keep still for as long as possible and place yourself downwind. Dawn and dusk are best.<\/p>
Elves in history<\/h3>
Elves first feature in medieval Germanic mythology, as supernatural humanoid beings with an ambivalent attitude to humans. Sometimes helpful, they are also known for stealing milk, tools and, on occasion, children.<\/p>
According to Anglo-Saxon medical texts, elves also fired tiny arrows that caused shooting pains in the body \u2013 called \u2018elf-shot\u2019. This idea may have originated from the frequent discovery of small Stone Age arrowheads \u2013 people thought that belonged to elves.<\/p>
In Iceland, where about half the population still believe in the existence of the \u2018huldufolk\u2019 (hidden people), cultural sites such as Alfholl (Elf Hill) are protected from development, to avoid the displeasure of the little folk.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1442440090-08e4830.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
Hundreds of small stone cairns on a lava ridge in Laufskalavarda, South Iceland.\/ Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>Despite the secrecy of elves, humans have been aware of the creatures for millennia, though most European records go back only to the 10th century. That they were known much earlier is testified in names. Old English \u00c6lfwine (elf-friend), \u00c6lfr\u0113d (elf-advised) and \u2018Elgar\u2019 (originally \u00c6lfgar, \u2018elf-spear\u2019) make the point well. Earlier still are the names of places. Elvendon in Oxfordshire (the hill of the elves), the Alden Valley (valley of the elves) and Eldon Hill all testify to the existence of elves and, indeed, their preferred habitat types.<\/p>
Elves in folklore and literature<\/h3>
Elves have always captured popular imagination and regularly appear in art and literature. So if you can\u2019t spy one in the wild, you can content yourself with finding these mystical creatures in popular tales.<\/p>
In A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream<\/em> (1595), William Shakespeare describes the \u201celves of hills, brooks, standing lakes and groves\u201d as fairy-like creatures, winged and dainty, no taller than a cowslip, able to curl up in acorn cups to hide.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-679502474-70058b3-e1669993871525.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
‘To Make My Small Elves Coats’, illustrated by Arthur Rackham, 1908, (1923). From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act II, Scene 2.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>The powerful elves of JRR Tolkien\u2019s The Hobbit<\/em> (1937) and The Lord of the Rings<\/em> (1954)<\/a>, however, are depicted as over six-feet tall, beautiful, telepathic and near-immortal. Based on Norse mythology, Tolkien\u2019s ancient elves love nature and are skilled warriors.<\/p>Terry Pratchett\u2019s Discworld<\/em> elves (1992) are nasty creatures, incapable of emotion and prone to hurting humans, while the elves in JK Rowling\u2019s Harry Potter<\/a><\/em> series (from 1997) are a down-trodden, domesticated lot, enslaved by wizarding families to undertake the housework. Freedom is granted only by a gift of clothes (and some even resent the gesture).<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1244562728-6dc6296.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
Children look at a memorial for Dobby, a fictional house elf from the Harry Potter novels, at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The National Trust have asked Harry Potter fans to stop leaving socks at the memorial.\/Credit: Matthew Horwood\/Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>Happily, Father Christmas\u2019 toymaking elves are merry helpers. Labouring in the North Pole workshop and delivering presents on Christmas Eve<\/a>, these industrious workers are usually garbed in green and red, sporting a jaunty hat. This is hardly ideal camouflage against the snow, so they should be easier to spot. Thus, elves are shape-shifters, changing in look and temperament in different tellings. The one thing they seemingly have in common is pointy ears. So if in doubt, look to the lugs.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-161840073-ba34c98-e1669994040893.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
Elves carry a Christmas tree through the snow.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>Can elves speak?<\/h3>
They may (this is largely speculation derived from their phylogenetic proximity to us) employ a primitive form of language.<\/p>
Reports of overheard conversations between elves are frequent in the historical record, and a recent incident in Iceland suggests that they are able to converse with humans. It was, it seems, the urgent matter of a road that was due to be built over elfin territory that prompted this atypical behaviour. Respectful as they are of their fellow hominims, the Icelanders duly accommodated them.<\/p>
How many elves are in the UK?<\/h3>
The population of elves in Britain has inevitably proved impossible to measure, with the general estimate being around 5,000 \u2013 approximately that of the pine marten<\/a> and better than that of the Scottish wild cat, with only 400 or so.<\/p>A genetic bottleneck (a lack of genetic diversity, caused by a previous rapid reduction in population) has been blamed for the poor reproductive success of elves. Their existence has long been under threat from habitat loss, as ancient woodlands now cover just 2.5% of the UK.<\/p>
Prospects for the elf may be improving, though. Efforts in Britain and elsewhere in Western Europe to rewild and plant more woodland will certainly help the beleaguered creature.<\/p>
If, like 80% of the British population, you have never seen an elf, then do not despair. Just keep looking in those wild, wild places…<\/p>
Elves are hominims, probably a population that split away from Homo sapiens<\/em> about 500,000 years ago. Perhaps because elves are so elusive and rarely observed for long, early descriptions of elves vary considerably.<\/p> Elves were known as the \u2018hidden people\u2019, the huldra<\/em> of Nordic tradition. Nevertheless, a characterisation of them has developed over time. They are small (zwerg<\/em>, the German name for dwarf, began life as a synonym for alf<\/em>, the Norse word for elf), stealthy, magical, beautiful and ambivalent in their relationships with humans (the word \u2018elf\u2019 means \u2018evil spirit\u2019 in Low German).<\/p> We now know them to be about 40cm in height, slender of frame and highly secretive in their general habits.<\/p> The habitat of the elf is woodland<\/a> and the wilder corners of the countryside. Find them in those secret places, such as dark woods, near large crevices in rocks and alongside streams with overhanging trees \u2013 anywhere far from or hidden from humans.<\/p> Likely locations are the mossy elven world of Wistman\u2019s Wood, Dartmoor<\/a> and the spritzing waterfalls at the Birks of Aberfeldy<\/a>, Perth and Kinross Spy, while Godshill in the New Forest<\/a>, Hampshire<\/a> is an elf hotspot.<\/p> They are known to live in hollow trees, often digging downwards to form comfortable quarters, or in disused badger<\/a> setts. Both Wistman’s Wood<\/a> and the New Forest<\/a> are famous for their mosses (visually, Wistman\u2019s Wood is entirely moss!) and it is with moss that elves roughly clothe themselves.<\/p> In summer, they will hide and sleep under a blanket of moss. However, perhaps elves are becoming braver in their habits, almost recklessly so, with credible reports of the \u2018urban elf\u2019, perhaps migrating via overgrown railway embankments.<\/p> Elves are the ultimate omnivore, hunting small mammals and birds, collecting fungi<\/a>, leaves, roots and fruits, and not hesitating to eat insects and other invertebrates. They are particularly fond of the bright red fly agaric \u2013 to identify this elf delicacy, check out our guide to UK mushrooms<\/a>.<\/p> The essence of elf-watching is to keep still for as long as possible and place yourself downwind. Dawn and dusk are best.<\/p> Elves first feature in medieval Germanic mythology, as supernatural humanoid beings with an ambivalent attitude to humans. Sometimes helpful, they are also known for stealing milk, tools and, on occasion, children.<\/p> According to Anglo-Saxon medical texts, elves also fired tiny arrows that caused shooting pains in the body \u2013 called \u2018elf-shot\u2019. This idea may have originated from the frequent discovery of small Stone Age arrowheads \u2013 people thought that belonged to elves.<\/p> In Iceland, where about half the population still believe in the existence of the \u2018huldufolk\u2019 (hidden people), cultural sites such as Alfholl (Elf Hill) are protected from development, to avoid the displeasure of the little folk.<\/p> Despite the secrecy of elves, humans have been aware of the creatures for millennia, though most European records go back only to the 10th century. That they were known much earlier is testified in names. Old English \u00c6lfwine (elf-friend), \u00c6lfr\u0113d (elf-advised) and \u2018Elgar\u2019 (originally \u00c6lfgar, \u2018elf-spear\u2019) make the point well. Earlier still are the names of places. Elvendon in Oxfordshire (the hill of the elves), the Alden Valley (valley of the elves) and Eldon Hill all testify to the existence of elves and, indeed, their preferred habitat types.<\/p> Elves have always captured popular imagination and regularly appear in art and literature. So if you can\u2019t spy one in the wild, you can content yourself with finding these mystical creatures in popular tales.<\/p> In A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream<\/em> (1595), William Shakespeare describes the \u201celves of hills, brooks, standing lakes and groves\u201d as fairy-like creatures, winged and dainty, no taller than a cowslip, able to curl up in acorn cups to hide.<\/p> The powerful elves of JRR Tolkien\u2019s The Hobbit<\/em> (1937) and The Lord of the Rings<\/em> (1954)<\/a>, however, are depicted as over six-feet tall, beautiful, telepathic and near-immortal. Based on Norse mythology, Tolkien\u2019s ancient elves love nature and are skilled warriors.<\/p> Terry Pratchett\u2019s Discworld<\/em> elves (1992) are nasty creatures, incapable of emotion and prone to hurting humans, while the elves in JK Rowling\u2019s Harry Potter<\/a><\/em> series (from 1997) are a down-trodden, domesticated lot, enslaved by wizarding families to undertake the housework. Freedom is granted only by a gift of clothes (and some even resent the gesture).<\/p> Happily, Father Christmas\u2019 toymaking elves are merry helpers. Labouring in the North Pole workshop and delivering presents on Christmas Eve<\/a>, these industrious workers are usually garbed in green and red, sporting a jaunty hat. This is hardly ideal camouflage against the snow, so they should be easier to spot. Thus, elves are shape-shifters, changing in look and temperament in different tellings. The one thing they seemingly have in common is pointy ears. So if in doubt, look to the lugs.<\/p> They may (this is largely speculation derived from their phylogenetic proximity to us) employ a primitive form of language.<\/p> Reports of overheard conversations between elves are frequent in the historical record, and a recent incident in Iceland suggests that they are able to converse with humans. It was, it seems, the urgent matter of a road that was due to be built over elfin territory that prompted this atypical behaviour. Respectful as they are of their fellow hominims, the Icelanders duly accommodated them.<\/p> The population of elves in Britain has inevitably proved impossible to measure, with the general estimate being around 5,000 \u2013 approximately that of the pine marten<\/a> and better than that of the Scottish wild cat, with only 400 or so.<\/p> A genetic bottleneck (a lack of genetic diversity, caused by a previous rapid reduction in population) has been blamed for the poor reproductive success of elves. Their existence has long been under threat from habitat loss, as ancient woodlands now cover just 2.5% of the UK.<\/p> Prospects for the elf may be improving, though. Efforts in Britain and elsewhere in Western Europe to rewild and plant more woodland will certainly help the beleaguered creature.<\/p> If, like 80% of the British population, you have never seen an elf, then do not despair. Just keep looking in those wild, wild places…<\/p>Where do elves live?<\/h2>
What do elves eat?<\/h2>
How to spot an elf?<\/h2>
Elves in history<\/h3>
Elves in folklore and literature<\/h3>
Can elves speak?<\/h3>
How many elves are in the UK?<\/h3>