The Dark Truth Behind Elves | What They Were Before Santa

Video Description

How did Santa end up with elves and where did they come from? Discover the fascinating history of Santa’s elves and their surprising origins in Norse mythology and Victorian Christmas traditions. Journey back to the icy forests of ancient Scandinavia, where the álfar (elves) were first depicted as mysterious and powerful beings, far from the cheerful helpers we know today. Explore the dual nature of the Ljósálfar (light elves) and Dökkálfar (dark elves), their role in Norse cosmology, and how they influenced winter solstice traditions. Learn how these mythical figures transitioned through European folklore, merging with household spirits like brownies and nisse. See how 19th century Victorian England reimagined elves during the Romantic era, turning fearsome creatures into whimsical, magical symbols of the holidays. Dive into the impact of stories like The Elves and the Shoemaker, the role of Clement Clarke Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Thomas Nast’s iconic illustrations in shaping the modern image of Santa’s workshop elves. In this video, we explore the mystical tales of the Ljósálfar (light elves) and Dökkálfar (dark elves), their connection to the winter solstice, and how they were honored in Scandinavian folklore. These mythical beings weren’t always toy-makers—they were powerful, mysterious, and sometimes feared. #ChristmasHistory #NorseMythology #SantaElves #ElfOrigins #HolidayTraditions #VictorianChristmas #MythicalCreatures #ChristmasFolklore #SantaClaus Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Norse Mythology 05:52 Medieval & Early Modern Period 11:36 The Elves and the Shoemaker 14:17 Christmas Connection 16:28 Victorian England 19:25 Modern Day Santa’s Elves