Elf-arrow

In English folklore, elf-arrows and pixie arrows[1] were names given to discovered arrowheads of flint, used in hunting and war by the Pre-Indo-Europeans of the British Isles and of Europe generally. The name derives from the folklore belief that the arrows fell from the sky, and were used by the elves to kill cattle and inflict elfshot on human beings.[2]

"Elf arrows" set in silver

Elf-arrows were sometimes worn as amulets, occasionally set in silver, as a charm against witchcraft.[3]

See also

References

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Wood, James, ed. (1907). "Elf-arrows". The Nuttall Encyclopædia. London and New York: Frederick Warne.

  1. Carrington, C. E. & Jackson, J. Hampden. "A History of England" CUP Archive, 1919. p. 3
  2. Merriam -Webster Dictionary: Elf Arrow
  3. Electric Scotland. "Scottish Charms and Amulets" Elf-Arrows


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