Backstory: Elves

The earliest myths involving elves portrayed them as mischievous or even malicious creatures that posed dangers to humans and animals. So, how do we get from there to jolly little Christmas elves? It’s a story that takes us from ancient Ancient Europe to the current day — one that involves mythology, modern American influence, the power of poetry and literature, possibly the rise of industrialization, and definitely...sticking it to the Nazis.Mentioned in this EpisodeChristmas in the Crosshairs, by Gerry BowlerSanta Claus: A Biography, by Gerry BowlerThe World Encyclopedia of Christmas, by Gerry BowlerMusic in this Episode"Ivory Pillow" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"Ambient Piano" — BlackPy Beats, via Pixabay"Road in the Forest" — Olexy, via Pixabay"Christmas Music Box" — Oleg Kirilkov, via Pixabay"Gentle Soft Piano | Christmas Vibes" — Alex Productions, via Free Music ArchiveConnect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email: [email protected] BooksOf Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)