Elf on the Shelf Literary Edition
[Photo by erin mckenna on Unsplash]
While Elf on the Shelf might be a fairly new holiday tradition, elves have appeared in literature for hundreds of years. While these elves don’t work for Santa, they do end up in a lot of mischief. Here’s our list of famous elves in literature!
[Movie still from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Warner Bros]
Dobby – Harry Potter series
In the Harry Potter universe, no elf is more beloved than Dobby. Originally an indenture servant to the Malfoy’s, Dobby was a house-elf that longed for his freedom. When he is released from his captivity, Dobby spends the rest of the series helping his friends fight the forces of evil. We’d give this lovably elf a sock any day!
Captain Holly Short – Artemis Fowl series
Captain Holly Short is not an elf to be trifled with. In the Artemis Fowl series, Holly is an expert fighter and trained soldier. She uses her extensive tactical knowledge and mechanical wings; this elf kicks major bad guy butt! Not too shabby for an eighty-year-old who is only three feet tall.
[Movie still from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, New Line Cinema]
Legolas – Lord of the Rings
When it comes to elves on this list, there’s no one prettier than Legolas. This master bowman is a fan favorite amongst the Lord of the Rings crowd. Did we mention that he’s also a prince? He spends a fair share of his time during the trilogy killing orcs and cracking jokes with Gimli the dwarf. The amazing meme “They're taking the hobbits to Isengard!" is something else we can thank him for.
Sylvanas Windrunner – World of Warcraft
Sylvanas Windrunner (aka the Banshee Queen) can vanquish any foe. In the World of Warcraft novels, she is considered one of the greatest generals in all Azeroth. Leader of the Forsaken, Sylvanas fights for her people’s survival, using her trusty bow and powerful magic to aid her. This Dark Lady is for the Horde!
Drizzt Do'Urden – Forgotten Realms
We saved the best for last! Drizzt Do'Urden is like the Jason Bourne of the Forgotten Realms series by Dungeons and Dragons. He’s a dark elf that can strike down any enemy with his scimitars Icingdeath and Twinkle. Drizzt also uses his magical pet panther, Guenhwyvar, to win his battles. This legendary hero of the North puts all other elves to shame by comparison.
Sandra Woolf
Sandra Woolf lives in the PNW where she haunts bookshops and library sales. Freelancer by day, horror movie lover by night. Writing inquires can go to what lovely books at gmail or just to ask her how her hairy is so bouncy.
