In the most ancient legends, the elves were the elemental spirits of
the land, sea and forest (see
origins). Later the name became confused with that of faerie. The
wood elves are however often considered to be a type of faerie. They have
the same diminutive appearance, and have loose, brown skin. Elves
have in recent times become popularized into larger creatures, near
to the size of a human. The modern elves, love music and magic and are
generally peaceful forest dwellers. The original definition of the
elf as an elemental nature spirit has been all but forgotten.
In Germany, elves were sometimes viewed as malicious spirits, but
occasionally helpful. In England they are quite benevolent and
kind. These spirits engage in many of the same revelries as faeries,
such as wildly dancing in the moonlight, and can easily be mistaken for
them by all but the most well-trained observers.
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