The Elf Mound

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For the 1828 play, see Elves' Hill.

The Elf Mound
Vilhelm Pedersen illustration
Author	Hans Christian Andersen
Original title	Danish: Elverhøi
Country	Denmark
Language	Danish
Genre(s)	Fairy tale
Publisher	C.A. Reitzel
Publication date	7 April 1845
Media type	Print

"The Elf Mound" (Danish: Elverhøi) is a fairy tale by the Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen about a feast held in an elf mound for the Goblin Chief of Norway and his two sons, both of whom are expected to select elf brides. The title is sometimes translated into English as "The Elf Hill". The tale was published in 1845.

1 Plot summary
2 Publication
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Plot summary

Two lizards scramble about the entrance to the Elf Mound, commenting on the hustle and bustle within. They have heard the elf maidens are practicing new dances and both wonder the reason why. An old maid elf hurries out and summons a raven to deliver invitations to an important event. The elf maidens begin their misty dances. The dishes for the night's festivities include skewered frogs, fungus salad made of mushroom seed, and hemlock. The king polishes his crown and tells his inquisitive youngest daughter that he has arranged marriages between two of his daughters and two of the sons of the Goblin Chief of Norway, who all arrive at that moment with pomp. The feast is held and the two sons prove rowdy and boisterous. The elf maidens are paraded as potential brides, declaiming their most notable talents. The Goblin Chief is so delighted he chooses one for his wife. Dawn approaches, and the old maid elf wants to close the shutters. The two sons of the Goblin King hurry outside to continue their tomfoolery and horseplay, leaving without selecting brides.

[edit] Publication

Andersen 1854

The tale was first published by C.A. Reitzel in Copenhagen 7 April 1845 as a part of New Fairy Tales. First Volume. Third Collection. 1845. (Nye Eventyr. Første Bind. Tredie Samling. 1845.). "The Elf Mound" was the first tale in the collection that included: (in contents order) "The Red Shoes" (De røde Skoe), "The Jumpers" (Springfyrene), "The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep" (Hyrdinden og Skorsteensfeieren), and "Holger Danske" (Holger Danske). The tale was re-published 18 December 1849 as a part of Fairy Tales. 1850. (Eventyr. 1850.), and again 30 March 1863 as a part of Fairy Tales and Stories. Second Volume. 1863. (Eventyr og Historier. Andet Bind. 1863.).^[1]