Elf is an imaginary creature in northern European folklore. In some cultures, elves are called fairies. In most folk tales, elves are tiny people. However, in a few folk traditions, elves are the same size as human beings. Many folk tales describe elves as merry beings who enjoy singing and dancing all night in meadows.
Elves possess magical powers. Like other fairy creatures such as leprechauns and pixies, elves can perform good deeds, but they can also cause misfortune, especially when they are offended. Many British and Scandinavian folk tales describe how elves steal animals and human children or lead travelers astray in forests. Elves sometimes make farm animals ill by shooting them with tiny arrows called “elf-shot.” But elves can also be generous. They may grant good luck or a pocketful of gold to someone they like.
