The Hidden History of Elves and Dwarfs
Inner Traditions Bear and Company (Verlag)
978-1-62055-715-0 (ISBN)
A comprehensive examination of the intertwined mythology, folklore, and literary history of the little people
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.
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.
Claude Lecouteux is a former professor of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne. He is the author of numerous books on medieval and pagan afterlife beliefs and magic, including The Book of Grimoires, Dictionary of Ancient Magic Words and Spells, and The Tradition of Household Spirits. He lives in Paris.
Foreword by Régis Boyer
INTRODUCTION
The Twists and Turns of Tradition
PART ONE
THE LITERARY TRADITIONS
1 The Medieval Belief in Pygmies and Dwarfs
2 The Dwarf in Western Literature Romance, Celtic, Germanic
3 The Legend of Aubéron From the French Huon de Bordeaux
4 The Legends of Alberîch From Norse Sagas and Germanic Tales
5 The Relatives of Aubéron From the French Bataille Loquifer
A Provisional Conclusion
PART TWO
MYTHOLOGIES AND BELIEFS
6 The Dwarfs Their Origin, Size, Names, Skills, and the Beliefs Surrounding Them
7 The Elves The Philosophy, Cultural Prospects, and Legends Surrounding Them
PART THREE
THE EVOLUTION OF BELIEFS AND SURVIVALS
8 The Demonization of Elves and Dwarfs
9 The Survivors of Pagan Legends Duses, Sprites, Kobolds, and Howlers
EPILOGUE
Once Upon a Time . . . They Existed Because We Believed
Afterword to the Second Edition
Afterword to the Fourth Edition
Notes
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
| Erscheinungsdatum | 29.10.2018 |
|---|---|
| Vorwort | Régis Boyer |
| Zusatzinfo | 5 b&w illustrations |
| Verlagsort | Rochester |
| Sprache | englisch |
| Maße | 152 x 229 mm |
| Gewicht | 572 g |
| Themenwelt | Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Gesundheit / Leben / Psychologie ► Östliche Weisheit / Alte Kulturen |
| ISBN-10 | 1-62055-715-0 / 1620557150 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1-62055-715-0 / 9781620557150 |
| Zustand | Neuware |
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