For thousands of years, ideas of small and mystical humanoid creatures that weave in and out of our world (and theirs) have been prominent in the mythos and folk religions of cultures around the world. Many of these creatures have gone through drastic evolutions and devolutions as the larger, centralized religions of the world have exercised their influence, either demonizing or glorifying these beings of folklore as they see fit. Seen sometimes as mischievous tricksters, benevolent helpers of humanity, or simply unconcerned with the world of the humans, many of these creatures have nonetheless endured throughout the centuries and remain prominent today in modern pop culture, storytelling, and superstition.
Intrigued? Read on to learn all about mystical tricksters, from elves to goblins.