Popular Religion in Late Saxon England: Elf Charms in Context.
Richard W. Pfaff|Karen Louise Jolly
In tenth- and 11th-century England, Anglo-Saxon Christians retained an old folk belief in elves as extremely dangerous creatures capable of harming unwary humans. To ward off the afflictions caused by these invisible beings, Christian priests modified traditional elf charms adding liturgical chants to herbal remedies. this text Karen Jolly traces cultural intermingling liturgy indigenous Germanic customs argues that similar practices represent successful Christianization native folklore. describes a dual process conversion which culture became Christianized but at same time left its own distinct imprint on Christianity. Illuminating creative aspects dynamic relationship, she identifies medicine middle ground between popular elite, pagan Christian, magic miracle. Her analysis, drawing model religion redefine folklore magic, reveals richness diversity late Saxon
The American Historical Review