Malevolent or helpful, pinched and small, or beautiful beyond description, elves are a mainstay of western folk belief. Today we’re exploring the many manifestations of elf belief, delving into the folklore of the British Isles and Scandinavia, the two regions where elves have been most robustly represented. This episode features an interview with Terry Gunnell, professor of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland, and expert on the history - and present - of elf belief in Iceland.

Music:

Intro theme - "Forest March" by Sylvia Woods

"Ólavur Riddararós" by Valravn

"The Pilgrim's Prayer" by Oliver Schroer

"The Elfin Knight" by Mary O'Hara

"Trivium" by Arvo Pärt

"Liti Kjersti og Elvekongen" by Kirsten Bråten Berg

"Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72 II. Lamento Lento Rubato" by Denise Djokic

"True Thomas" by Christina Stewart

"The Passing of the Elves" by Howard Shore

"Queen of Elfan's Nourice" by Rachel Newton

Interview:

"Hollin Green Hollin / Thomas the Rhymer / Young Benjie / Tam Lin" by Gordon Mooney

"Metamorphosis" by Sylvia Woods

"A Fairy's Love Song" by Celtic Harp Soundscapes

"Ólafur Liljurós" by Icelandic Folk Music

"Starálfur" by Sigur Rós - End Interview

"Tam Lin" by Fairport Convention

Image: "A Fairy and a Knight" by Richard Doyle