Christmas tree elf crafting a duvet as a gift illustration.

Elves are often depicted as small, magical beings that help Santa Claus at Christmas. However, they are not quite what they seem, as their story encompasses a rich history of folklore, mythology and literature and, recently, have incorporated more modern cultural elements, such as ‘Elf on the Shelf’.

What are the origins of elves?

The concept of elves predates the modern Christmas celebration by many centuries. They are rooted in ancient mythology and folklore, dating back to Norse mythology. As magical creatures often associated with nature, they may go back even further, but there is no written evidence to support this. In Norse mythology they were known as ‘alfar’ – beings that inhabited the natural world and often associated with forests and rivers. Far from being mischievous, appealing little creatures, they were powerful, magical entities, capable of both benevolent and malevolent acts.

In Germanic folklore and Anglo-Saxon mythology, they were similarly revered and feared and considered to be the guardians of nature, often associated with fertility and prosperity. They could also be tricksters, playing pranks on humans. The belief in elves was so widespread that people would often leave offerings of food and drink to appease them – and especially during the harsher, winter months.

Tolkien and Elves

Many people will have first encountered elves through the books written by the famous, and much-loved author, J. R. R. Tolkien. The elves in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were inspired by Tolkien’s love of Norse and Anglo-Saxon mythology. He describes them as powerful entities that should be treated with caution and respect, due to their magical powers and wisdom. He writes that they are ‘the fairest creatures, a far more beautiful race than men’ and makes them tall and grey-eyed, with either dark or silvery fair hair. They were also great warriors and fought alongside men in the various wars of Middle Earth.

A serene winter fantasy scene of a woman dressed in flowing blue robes with a delicate silver headpiece, standing close to a majestic white horse with large angelic wings. Snow sparkles in the air, and frosted branches frame the magical moment.A serene winter fantasy scene of a woman dressed in flowing blue robes with a delicate silver headpiece, standing close to a majestic white horse with large angelic wings. Snow sparkles in the air, and frosted branches frame the magical moment.

When did elves become ‘Christmas elves’?

In the 19th century, Christmas experienced growing popularity as a more extended festive holiday, and this was encouraged by the literature and media of the time. For example, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, brought many of his country’s Christmas traditions with him from Germany, and the public were treated to illustrations in newspapers of the Royal Family around a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree.

One of the earliest and most influential depictions of Christmas elves appears in the 1823 poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ – more commonly known as ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ In the poem, St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) is described as a ‘jolly old elf’. This suggested a connection between Santa Claus and the elven realm and helped to create the foundations for the idea of elves as Santa’s helper. Other writers, such as Louisa May Alcott, described elves as busy and cheerful beings who help Santa in preparing for Christmas. Santa Claus himself has a fascinating history and you can find out more here.

A whimsical scene featuring a young elf wearing glasses, a red and green striped hat, and plaid clothing, sitting in a cosy library setting with warm, magical golden lights floating in the air. The elf holds a feather quill, lost in thought, surrounded byA whimsical scene featuring a young elf wearing glasses, a red and green striped hat, and plaid clothing, sitting in a cosy library setting with warm, magical golden lights floating in the air. The elf holds a feather quill, lost in thought, surrounded by

Christmas elves in the modern tradition

Today, Christmas elves are primarily known as Santa Claus’s helpers, living in the North Pole, and getting the presents ready in Santa’s workshop. Their main role is in making toys, maintaining Santa’s sleigh and caring for his reindeer. The modern elf is usual depicted as being small in stature, having pointy ears and wearing green or red clothing, including a hat. These modern traditional depictions have become popular, reinforced by the media, and Christmas-themed films, such as ‘Elf’.

A more recent Christmas elf tradition has evolved since the early part of the new millennium – ‘The Elf on the Shelf’, a children’s book and corresponding toy. The story describes how Santa sends elves to families to observe children’s behaviour and report back to Santa each night. This idea has developed to include the elf toy being moved around the house each day to create a game for children to find the elf in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

What does the Christmas elf represent?

The Christmas elf has several attributes, including hard work and dedication, represented by their tireless efforts in Santa’s workshop to get everything ready for the holiday season. They are also often depicted as being playful and cheerful, as well as being kind because their selfless work brings joy to millions and reflects the spirit of giving. The Christmas elf links older traditions with new ones, creating a sense of continuity by preserving older customs whilst adapting to more modern celebrations.

An enchanting illustration of three cheerful elves wearing red hats and coats, gathered around a cosy lantern in a workshop. They appear to be working on a soft white duvet, with a whimsical toy mouse nearby, set against a soft, wintry background.An enchanting illustration of three cheerful elves wearing red hats and coats, gathered around a cosy lantern in a workshop. They appear to be working on a soft white duvet, with a whimsical toy mouse nearby, set against a soft, wintry background.

Devon Duvets and Elves

The tradition of elves and our individually handcrafted, British made, British wool duvets began in 2023, when we released our bedtime story ‘The Dream Weavers’, whereby elves helped our seamstresses to make duvets. The same elves also appeared in the illustrations of our 2023 Christmas story ‘Santa’s Slumberful Christmas’. Why not read through our other bedtime stories and see if the elves appear there too!

If you would like to know more about our individually handcrafted products, then please get in touch with the team – we’re happy to help!