Elves and Fairies: A Short History of the Otherworld

Elves and Fairies: A Short History of the Otherworld - Hardcover

$26.00
$26.00
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Elves and Fairies: A Short History of the Otherworld
  • Elves and Fairies: A Short History of the Otherworld
Elves and Fairies: A Short History of the Otherworld - Hardcover

Elves and Fairies: A Short History of the Otherworld - Hardcover

by Matthias Egeler
$26.00
$26.00

Book Overview

by Matthias Egeler (Author)

An enchanting history of the otherworld of elves and fairies, from the nature spirits of Iceland and Ireland to Avalon and Middle Earth

Originating in Norse and Celtic mythologies, elves and fairies are a firmly established part of Western popular culture. Since the days of the Vikings and Arthurian legend, these sprites have undergone huge transformations. From J. R. R. Tolkien's warlike elves, based on medieval legend, to little flower fairies whose charms even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle succumbed to, they permeate European art and culture.

In this engaging cultural history, Matthias Egeler explores these mythical creatures of Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, and England, and their continental European cousins. Egeler goes on a journey through enchanted landscapes and literary worlds. He describes both their friendly and their dangerous, even deadly, sides. We encounter them in the legends of King Arthur's round table and in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, in the terrible era of the witch trials, in magic's peaceful conquest of Victorian bourgeois salons, in the child-friendly form of Peter Pan, and even as helpers in the contemporary fight against environmental destruction.

Author Biography

Matthias Egeler is professor of Old Norse literature and culture at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, after years at Oxford, Cambridge, and Munich. His research focuses on Old Norse literary, cultural, and religious history; the literary and religious history of medieval Ireland; and the world of Icelandic folk tales.

Number of Pages: 256
Dimensions: 0.95 x 8.53 x 5.7 IN
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
ISBN9780300284409
Author Matthias Egeler
PublisherYale University Press
GenreHistory and Literature
FormatHardcover
PublishedOctober 2025
LanguageENG- English
Pages256
Weight1.0 lb
Target AudienceAdults
Print SizeStandard Print

Related Subjects

History Literary Criticism Nonfiction

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About Matthias Egeler

Matthias Egeler is professor of Old Norse literature and culture at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, after years at Oxford, Cambridge, and Munich. His research focuses on Old Norse literary, cultural, and religious history; the literary and religious history of medieval Ireland; and the world of Icelandic folk tales.

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