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The Hidden History of Elves and Dwarfs: Avatars of Invisible Realms
A comprehensive examination of the intertwined mythology, folklore, and literary history of the little people
• Explores the pagan roots of dwarfs and elves and their evolution in myth and literature
• Reveals the role the church played in changing them from fearless, shape-shifting warriors with magical powers into cheerful helpmates and cute garden gnomes
• Traces their history from ancient Celtic and Germanic lore through their emergence in the literature of the Middle Ages to their modern popularization by the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney
Most people are familiar with the popular image of elves as Santa’s helpers and dwarfs as little bearded men wearing red caps, who are mischievous and playful, helpful and sly, industrious and dexterous. But their roots go far deeper than their appearance in fairy tales and popular stories. Elves and dwarfs are survivors of a much older belief system that predates Christianity and was widespread throughout Western Europe.
Sharing his extensive analysis of Germanic and Norse legends, as well as Roman, Celtic, and medieval literature, Claude Lecouteux explores the ancient, intertwined history of dwarfs and elves. He reveals how both were once peoples who lived in wild regions as keepers of the secrets of nature. They were able to change their size at will and had superhuman strength and healing powers. They were excellent smiths, crafting swords that nothing could dull as well as magical jewelry, and often entered into the service of lords or heroes. They were a part of the everyday life of our ancestors before they were transformed by fairy tales and church texts into the mythical creatures we know today.
Lecouteux shows how, in earlier folklore, elves and dwarfs were interchangeable, gradually evolving over time to express very different kinds of beings. “Dwarf,” “giant,” and even “elf” did not necessarily connote size but referred to races with different skills. Elves were more ethereal, offering protection and kindness, while dwarfs reflected a more corporeal form of spirit, often appearing as messengers from the underworld. Yet dwarfs and elves could be bargained with, and our ancestors would leave a broken object outside the door at night with the hope that a dwarf or elf (or other local spirit) would repair it.
Revealing the true roots of these helpful and powerful beings, including an in-depth exploration of one of the most famous dwarf/elf/fairy beings of the Middle Ages, Auberon or Oberon, also known as Alberich, Lecouteux shows how the magic of dwarfs and elves can be rekindled if we recognize their signs and invite them back into our world.
• Explores the pagan roots of dwarfs and elves and their evolution in myth and literature
• Reveals the role the church played in changing them from fearless, shape-shifting warriors with magical powers into cheerful helpmates and cute garden gnomes
• Traces their history from ancient Celtic and Germanic lore through their emergence in the literature of the Middle Ages to their modern popularization by the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney
Most people are familiar with the popular image of elves as Santa’s helpers and dwarfs as little bearded men wearing red caps, who are mischievous and playful, helpful and sly, industrious and dexterous. But their roots go far deeper than their appearance in fairy tales and popular stories. Elves and dwarfs are survivors of a much older belief system that predates Christianity and was widespread throughout Western Europe.
Sharing his extensive analysis of Germanic and Norse legends, as well as Roman, Celtic, and medieval literature, Claude Lecouteux explores the ancient, intertwined history of dwarfs and elves. He reveals how both were once peoples who lived in wild regions as keepers of the secrets of nature. They were able to change their size at will and had superhuman strength and healing powers. They were excellent smiths, crafting swords that nothing could dull as well as magical jewelry, and often entered into the service of lords or heroes. They were a part of the everyday life of our ancestors before they were transformed by fairy tales and church texts into the mythical creatures we know today.
Lecouteux shows how, in earlier folklore, elves and dwarfs were interchangeable, gradually evolving over time to express very different kinds of beings. “Dwarf,” “giant,” and even “elf” did not necessarily connote size but referred to races with different skills. Elves were more ethereal, offering protection and kindness, while dwarfs reflected a more corporeal form of spirit, often appearing as messengers from the underworld. Yet dwarfs and elves could be bargained with, and our ancestors would leave a broken object outside the door at night with the hope that a dwarf or elf (or other local spirit) would repair it.
Revealing the true roots of these helpful and powerful beings, including an in-depth exploration of one of the most famous dwarf/elf/fairy beings of the Middle Ages, Auberon or Oberon, also known as Alberich, Lecouteux shows how the magic of dwarfs and elves can be rekindled if we recognize their signs and invite them back into our world.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
18 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Claude Lecouteux
61 books134 followersDocteur en études germaniques, docteur en lettres, est médiéviste. Il a occupé la chaire de Langues, Littératures et civilisations germaniques à l'université de Caen de 1981 à 1992 avant d'être appelé à la Sorbonne (Paris IV) pour occuper celle de Littérature et Civilisation allemande du Moyen Âge jusqu'en octobre 2007. Ses axes de recherches sont: Les êtres de la mythologie populaire, Les croyances touchant aux morts et à la mort, Les mythes, contes et légendes, La magie
Ses travaux lui ont valu de recevoir le Prix Strasbourg en 1982, un prix de l’Académie française la même année, d'être fait Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes académiques en 1995 et Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres en 2006. Jusqu'en décembre 2010, il dirige la revue La grande Oreille, arts de l’oralité et collabore à plusieurs revues sur le Moyen Âge.
Ses travaux lui ont valu de recevoir le Prix Strasbourg en 1982, un prix de l’Académie française la même année, d'être fait Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes académiques en 1995 et Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres en 2006. Jusqu'en décembre 2010, il dirige la revue La grande Oreille, arts de l’oralité et collabore à plusieurs revues sur le Moyen Âge.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 19, 2018
This book takes a scholarly look at the changing nature of elves and dwarves in Europe. The book is informative and interesting, making a nice addition to the Ancestral Lore and Practices collection by the same author.
December 27, 2017
Un excelente análisis de Lecouteux (como siempre) a distintas fuentes antiguas (sobre todo de las relaciones etimológicas para explicar las supuestas diferencias entre elfos y enanos en el canon tanto escandinavo como germano, con alguna referencia a Francia). Hay muchísima información desconocida y conclusiones asombrosas: los enanos son sencillamente los muertos. Y los elfos, enanos también. La luz y la oscuridad se reflejan en su relación con la muerte y por ende, nuestra muerte. Buenísimo. Mucha información para seguir investigando.
January 13, 2019
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 01/10/2019.
It’s no secret that I love me some Claude Lecouteux. Trust me when I say that his latest book, “The Hidden History of Elves & Dwarves: Avatars of Invisible Realms” showcases what he does best…. connecting the dots.
Whereas generally he uses his “gift for comparing cultures, for suddenly making an unexpected leap, but perfectly pertinent to the train of thought”, as Régis Boyer points out in the foreword. This time much of the focus is on the mystery of who is Auberon? By tracing this character’s existence in French, Norse, and Germanic tales we learn much about the difference and similarities of dwarfs and elves throughout time and cultures. What you come away with is that things back then were much more fluid, particularly in terms of physical appearance, than what you find in today’s Dungeons & Dragons books.
Of course, at the heart of every Lecouteux book is the eventual encroachment of Christianity and how it effects these original legends. As expected, the originals, if they remain are perverted versions of how they began their lives. Some also disappear, only to reappear in some new context. And if you’re like me, you sometimes try to revive the legend in its original context.
If you’re familiar with Lecouteux and like his work, this is one of his best. If you are not familiar with him, this is a great entry point.
It’s no secret that I love me some Claude Lecouteux. Trust me when I say that his latest book, “The Hidden History of Elves & Dwarves: Avatars of Invisible Realms” showcases what he does best…. connecting the dots.
Whereas generally he uses his “gift for comparing cultures, for suddenly making an unexpected leap, but perfectly pertinent to the train of thought”, as Régis Boyer points out in the foreword. This time much of the focus is on the mystery of who is Auberon? By tracing this character’s existence in French, Norse, and Germanic tales we learn much about the difference and similarities of dwarfs and elves throughout time and cultures. What you come away with is that things back then were much more fluid, particularly in terms of physical appearance, than what you find in today’s Dungeons & Dragons books.
Of course, at the heart of every Lecouteux book is the eventual encroachment of Christianity and how it effects these original legends. As expected, the originals, if they remain are perverted versions of how they began their lives. Some also disappear, only to reappear in some new context. And if you’re like me, you sometimes try to revive the legend in its original context.
If you’re familiar with Lecouteux and like his work, this is one of his best. If you are not familiar with him, this is a great entry point.
April 13, 2020
I just love reading the works of this author!🤓 I know that some would consider his stuff dry and difficult to enjoy. 🙂But, I just love reading about fairies, elves, dwarfs, and all things magical, mystical, and supernatural.😉
🤓And I learned sooo much!!! There's so many twists and turns to the evolution and comingling of the myriad spirits and magical entities throughout medieval Europe!🤓 Lol☺I'm such a nerd😁
I'm gonna recommend this book for any fan of elves, dwarfs, and medieval Europe😎 (so long as they don't mind the book being quite scholarly and dry).
🤓And I learned sooo much!!! There's so many twists and turns to the evolution and comingling of the myriad spirits and magical entities throughout medieval Europe!🤓 Lol☺I'm such a nerd😁
I'm gonna recommend this book for any fan of elves, dwarfs, and medieval Europe😎 (so long as they don't mind the book being quite scholarly and dry).
March 13, 2024
I thought this was interesting, if not a bit too clinical or cold somehow. I liked it but for me, it's missing something essential. It's a scholarly take I suppose., although I enjoyed the history a lot.
August 2, 2024
Interesante estudio que muestra cómo se confundieron las diversas criaturas mitológicas en el imaginario medieval.
August 8, 2021
Lecouteux es un investigador medievalista de primer orden y sus estudios sobre los seres feéricos que pueblan la mitología de los pueblos europeos del periodo, nos dan luz sobre el pensamiento antropológico de la época. Aunque su estudio nada tiene que ver, es interesante observar como Carl Jung puede tener razón sobre los mitos, porque muchos de estos se ajustan a nuestra realidad interior. Este libro es un ensayo que busca demostrar como la concepción de estos seres se va transformando con el cambio cultural, pero como aún hasta hoy pervive en lo más profundo de ellos su significación original. Su origen comienza en el mundo de los muertos y termina en el mundo de lo maravilloso en una ruta excelentemente trazada por el libro, que nos demuestra como nuestra mente tiende a lo fantástico.
August 10, 2011
Le grand mérite de cet ouvrage a été de me révéler le lien entre les nains, les elfes et l'eau, les ancêtres et la mort. Depuis, je ne cesse d'être hanter par ces images d'elfes immortels qui représentent notre mortalité, qui transcendent notre propre mort.
September 11, 2014
Very interesting!I loved it.
Livre passionnant sur les croyances moyenâgeuses, leur origine et leur évolution!Un livre à lire pour tous ceux qui aiment l'histoire et le fantastique.
Livre passionnant sur les croyances moyenâgeuses, leur origine et leur évolution!Un livre à lire pour tous ceux qui aiment l'histoire et le fantastique.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews