Do you mind if I send in another slightly complicated question? I'd like to work and ally with various nature spirits and hidden folk. I've read that faeries, for all the gifts they could offer, can be very capricious or tricky at best and must be approached very carefully. In regards to elves or alfar, so far I get the impression that they can be relatively welcoming and safe as long as I treat them with respect. Would that be correct at all? I do feel a desire to bond with nature.
Hey Pengee,
It’s true that Fae and Alfar can be very different, just like all creatures from different mythologies. Just because they may have a resemblance doesn’t mean their interchangeable and I feel it’s important to preserve individual beliefs and traditions rather than having pagan religions added to a watered-down melting pot. Perspectives on Elves may be slightly different from one region to another in the Nordic world. Across the various perspectives, there are similarities to Fae but also stark differences.
In myths and in folkloric interpretations, Alfar are often depicted as being extremely beautiful, skilled, human-looking beings of light. They were very similar to human beings in appearance and capability, but like the best that humanity was capable of. In fact, humans that achieved a level of skill and greatness in life often were given the title of “Alf” after their death as an honorific. This also fits into Alfar in their roles of Ancestor veneration. Alfablot is only mentioned in one text by Snorri but folkloric legends/practices around the Alfar seem to tie them to Ancestor work often. Some scholars posit that views of Alfar may have to do with the reincarnation of souls into higher realms. These things indicate that it may be possible to become an elf eventually? Whereas no such indication exists with Fae.
I should note that some regions vary greatly in their modern cultural perspective on elves. In Iceland, they’re seen as small hidden folk that live under the ground and in hills, for example. I’m mostly going off of what we know about the Old Norse view and my own interactions.
Fae are pretty different than ALL the depictions of elves though... the original Celtic peoples who upon their death were buried in mounds, became one with the land, and developed various uncanny appearances. Fae seem to have more of a love/hate relationship with humans, enjoying them for sport and entertainment but also resentful of our treatment of nature. Even the elves in Iceland that also inhabit mounds don’t seek out humans to taunt. Norse Alfar don’t seem to share the Fae’s conflicting relationship with humankind. They’re mostly depicted as amiable and even helpful to humans. There are quite a few stories of Alfar falling in love with humans and marrying them.
That being said, all spirits can have their faults, prejudices, and may become angry or frustrated if disrespected. There are stories of Alfar being very angry and vengeful when wronged. Usually it’s not a case of “let’s really mess with this person” but rather seeking retribution though, which can be different from the Fair Folk. As a whole, Alfar aren’t tricky or deceitful whereas Fae are known for using doublespeak and illusion to confuse or disorient humans.
The Alfar I’ve met and worked with were very loving but stoic and all about maintaining right relationship (especially with nature). As long as I’ve treated them with hospitality and respect, all of my interactions with the Alfar have been very positive and healing. And if I do say so, Tolkien’s depiction of elves was pretty damn close to the Alfar I’ve seen and their culture.
💙 Fynn
