In this video, I explore the archaeology of Elves, Dwarves, and Faires. Elves, Dwarves, and Faires are some of the most mysterious figures in all of Northern European religions and folklore, from Heathenry to Celtic paganism and everything in between. Often, thanks to modern media, elves are seen as benevolent guardians of nature, Dwarves are seen as diminutive blacksmiths, and fairies as either adorable sprites or horrible monsters. However, the real picture of Elves, Dwarves, and Fairies gets far more complex as we go further into the past. Is it possible that in medieval Europe, Elves, Dwarves, and Faries were one and the same? In order to solve this question and to better understand where these figures fit in pagan religions, this video will examine the archaeological and textual evidence of all three of these beings, ranging from the rock art and megaliths of Europe’s Bronze Age and Early Iron Age to the Anglo Saxon Elf shot charms and Weyland the Smith.
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