Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, suggests an elf is a creature of German mythology and that elves were originally thought of as a race of minor nature and fertility gods, who are often pictured as youthful–seeming men and women of great beauty living in forests and underground places and caves, or in wells and springs.

Following the work of J.R.R Tolkien’s influential The Lord of the Rings, elves were seen to have a significant role and became staple characters of modern fantasy.

Something associated with elves or the qualities they have is often described by adjectives such as elfin, elven, elfin or elfish.

The earliest preserved description of elves comes from Norse mythology and later folklore strongly suggests that the belief in elves was common among all the Germanic tribes.

In Scandanavian folklore, which is a later blend of Norse mythology and elements of Christian mythology, an elf is called elver in Danish, alv in Norwegian and in Swedish, and it said that even today many Scandanavians still believe in the existence of these hidden people.

For example, during a soccer game in Iceland the match was called to a halt when a misled ball rolled off the beaten path and stopped right next to a sign that marked the home of three elves believed to dwell near the stones where the ball was resting. And, instead of reclaiming the ball, the soccer player opted to leave it there in order to avoid disturbing the elves.

Even the English had early beliefs about elves who made many appearances in ballads of English and Scottish origin, as well as folk tales.

In Elizabethan England the great William Shakespeare imagined elves as little people and, due largely to his influence, elves were described in Victorian literature as tiny men and women with pointed ears and stocking caps.

Involvement with Santa   

In the United States, Canada, England and Ireland the modern children’s folklore of Santa Claus typically includes diminutive elves at Christmas clad in green with pointy ears, long noses and pointy hats working as Santa’s assistants.

And in America the cookie company Keebler advertises that its goodies are made by elves. Even Kellogs, who just happen to have taken over Keebler, uses the elves of Snap, Crackle and Pop as mascots of their rice krispies cereal.

The role of elves as Santa’s helpers continues to remain popular as evidenced by the success of the movie Elf.

Well, there it is, a look at the mythology concerning elves, and what better time to do this than now when these creatures of mystery are busily engaged with Mr and Mrs Claus and Rudolph and his mates getting ready to bring you and/or your kids a welcome Chrissie present.

One can only hope that none of these mysterious people of folklore slip if they have to come down your chimney with a present on Christmas Day.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. See you again in 2009.