---
title: Elves
description: Magical beings, earth elementals in the traditions of northern Europe.
author:
  name: Graciela Paula Caldeiro
  url: http://graciela-caldeiro.idoneos.com
canonical: https://mitosyleyendas.idoneos.com/en/bestiario_mitologico/elfos/
source: en/bestiario_mitologico/elfos/index.md
---

<h2 id="elfos">Elves</h2>

Elves, also known as alfes or alfios, are elemental beings of **Norse mythology** and are associated with the element of earth. They are said to have a human appearance, though their hands and feet are somewhat larger than the rest of their body. They also have slender legs, a wide mouth, and characteristic pointed ears. They dwell in caverns and subterranean places.

**Tolkien** immortalized this type of entity in his work The Lord of the Rings, in which elves represent a benevolent people of supernatural powers who, allied with humans, mark the end of an age. However, beyond Tolkien's literary characterization, Norse traditions identify three different types of elves:

<h2 id="elfos-de-la-luz-elfos-blancos">Light Elves (White Elves)</h2>

These are benevolent beings who are often found dancing on the grass, flying through the air, or swaying upon the treetops.

<h2 id="elfos-de-las-tinieblas-elfos-negros">Dark Elves (Black Elves)</h2>

These are malevolent beings who can cause harm to human beings.

<h2 id="elfos-de-las-montanas">Mountain Elves</h2>

Intermediate beings whose behavior is somewhat ambiguous. They love music and cleanliness. They dwell in grottoes or hills and can sometimes take on human forms.