Elf-arrow

"Elf arrows" set in silver

Elf-arrows were arrowheads of flint used in hunting and war by the Pre-Indo-European of the British Isles and of Europe generally, as they still are among native people elsewhere. Elf-arrows derived their name 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.[1] Also called 'pixie arrows', according to English folklore.[2]

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