by Aubrey Williams

Created on: March 04, 2010   Last Updated: March 06, 2010

Elves have long been the fascination of writers throughout history. They are regarded as the ultimate of the magical folk, emulating the best of the human like forms. They are portrayed in many different lights, and hopefully, I can shed some light upon a few of these for you.

One of the world's most popular visions when elves are discussed would be the workers at the North Pole. Santa Claus is often spoken of with his workshop full of elves, making toys for children all over the world. These elves are generally thought to be short in stature, and most often shown to be quite old.

There was a series of movies portraying Tim Allen as Santa Claus in the past decade or so where the elves all seemed to resemble children, but were still hundreds of years in age. Personally, I found this version to be more appealing.

Quite often in literature, we see elves portrayed as a tall and graceful people. They are described as beautiful, and almost hypnotic to behold. Usually described as great magic users, they can weave the greatest spells for protection and glamour, seemingly invisible to those who would search for them.

Their forests are impenetrable unless one is invited, otherwise the searcher could wander for years, always turned away from their search by seemingly coincidental circumstances. They are the keepers of the most magical forests, and are the greatest of hunters, yet do not hunt for sport, only for food.

They have the greatest of respect for all life, be it animal or plant. This type of elf is more synonymous with the American Indian tribes of the old United States. They too believed that God was present in all living things and was to be respected. A noble thought, if I do say so myself.

There have also been interpretations of elves as very diminuative creatures no higher than a man's knee. These creatures are portrayed as the keepers of the small forests, the tenders of the plants and animals found in the wilds, where man has not yet traveresed.

They are users of small magics intended for healing and growing, and keep the magic of these hallowed places in balance. These elves are not generally thought to be eaters of flesh, eating only what the forest provides in nuts, fruit, and roots.

Of all these versions of a popular species, one thing has always remained the same in every bit of folklore found. Elves always have pointed ears. Sometimes merely a sharpening at the top of the ear.

Sometimes they are described as furled like a seashell, others being without lobes, but the pointed top is always a constant. So I ask you this; with all the descriptions of elves in folklore, and each one having one trait that is always the same, is it not possible that at some point in human history, they did exist?

Perhaps very far back in the past, wiped out by genocide, or perhaps, still living among us, acclimatised to us, and hidden in plain sight? Who knows, there may be one writing this very article.

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