Definition of elves

The origin of the word "elves" can be traced back to Old Norse mythology, where álfr (singular) and álfar (plural) referred to supernatural beings. These beings were believed to have magical abilities and were sometimes associated with the natural world, particularly forests and rivers. The Old English language adopted the term alfs, and it was later replaced by the Old French term elfe, which referred to similar mythical beings in Gaelic and Celtic cultures. "Elves" as we know it today, derives from the Middle English word elfe, which is a combination of the Old French elfe and the Old English hālf ("half"). This name was given to these creatures because they were believed to be small and delicate, with a otherworldly appearance halfway between human and spirit. In medieval folklore, elves were often depicted as mischievous or helpful beings, with the power to shape-shift, disappear, and move objects with their minds. After the emergence of Christianity in Europe, the belief in elves declined markedly, as they were often seen as demonic beings by the church. However, the culturally prominent image of elves as whimsical, magical creatures with pointed ears and delicate features lives on, particularly in fantasy literature and modern popular culture. In modern English, the word "elf" also has a less mythological usage, as it can refer to a worker who manages inventory in a warehouse or retail store (first used in the early 20th century). This use of the word highlights the evolutionary nature of language and the dynamic meaning of words over time.