Elves are astral beings[1] which hail from the kingdom of Elfhelm, the domain of the Flower Storm Monarch.[2] Puck and Ivalera are the two most prominent elfin characters, both of which travel with Guts in his traveling party. There are different races of elves that coexist in the Astral World, with Puck and Ivalera being of the pisky race, descendants of the sylph.[3]
Apperance[]
Elves are generally portrayed as small humanoid beings. Though most are seen naked[4][5][6], some sport a gossamer-like attire, resembling petals or leaves.[7][6] Their most prominent features are long pointed ears, pupilless eyes and small, insect-like wings.[4][5][6]
Personality[]
Elves are famed for their bubbly, friendly and fun-loving nature. Whilst this may be mistaken for elves being dimwitted creatures, they have been showed to display sound reasoning and knowledge.[8][9][10] In general, they are noted to have a chaotic disposition.[6] Due to their empathic abilities, Puck and Ivalera are helpful and compassionate. It is unknown whether other elf races can display such abilities, but Puck states that elves have a strong sense of duty.[4]
Abilities[]
Elves possess many different powers. They are capable of healing injuries, sensing people's emotions, and some even say that they have the power to bring one happiness.[4] They can create medicine with the dust that sloughs off their wings, known as elf dust. Although their size generally limits their usefulness in combat, they may emit a bright flash, acting as a flare to blind enemies temporarily,[11] and carry small objects.
Story[]
Elves appear in many fairy tales, poems, and legends, but are rarely seen by human eyes.[1][2] They are creatures who exist in the Astral World, and may appear in the Physical World if they so desire. Only humans who have not closed their minds to the idea of mythical creatures are capable of perceiving them; religious zealots of the Holy See cannot.[12] As such, Farnese is only able to fully perceive Puck after secularizing herself.[13] Elves often become invisible to humans in large religious establishments such as monasteries and cathedrals, or in large crowds, though they sometimes appear to rural religious communities.[12] They can most often be observed by children.
The most famous legends involving elves include the story of Red-Eyed Peekaf[14] – a children's tale about a boy with elvish characteristics – and the Flower Storm Monarch, the ruler of the idyllic elfin homeland: Elfhelm.[2]
Long ago, elves dwelled within various locations such as Godot's mining cave[15] and Rosine's tree in the Misty Valley.[16] However, in time, the Holy See established its strict doctrines and the elves were forced to withdraw to the magical island of Skellig, upon which their homeland of Elfhelm is located.[1][17] The areas once home to elves now offer sanctuary to those preyed upon by restless spirits, Guts having Casca placed in Godot's cave for her safety.[15] It is only after the cave's destruction that Puck suggests taking Casca to his homeland,[18] and subsequently, Guts learns from the Skull Knight that the Flower Storm Monarch can restore Casca's mental capabilities.[2]
Notes[]
- The elves appear to be influenced by various types of fairies in European folklore, with Puck and Ivalera being piskies, a race of fairies traditionally hailing from Cornwall in England.
References[]
- ^ a b c Berserk :: Volume 24, "Astral World"
- ^ a b c d Berserk :: Volume 28, "Proclaimed Omen"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 24, "Elementals"
- ^ a b c d Berserk :: Volume 1, "Black Swordsman"
- ^ a b Berserk :: Volume 15, "Misty Valley (1)"
- ^ a b c d Berserk :: Volume 39, "Elfhelm"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 22, "War Cry of the Wind (2)"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 3, "Guardian Angels of Desire (4)"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 21, "One Who Clings, One Who Struggles"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 25, "Shaman"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 1, "Guardian Angels of Desire (1)"
- ^ a b Berserk :: Volume 17, "Night of Miracles"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 23, "Fangs of Ego"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 15, "Red-Eyed Peekaf"
- ^ a b Berserk :: Volume 17, "Feeble Flame"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 16, "Firefly"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 27, "Roar of the Sea"
- ^ Berserk :: Volume 22, "Prologue to the War Chronicle"
Appendices[]
| Prominent
Apostle (Pseudo-Apostle) · Elf · Daimon · Four Kings · God Hand · Human |
| Secondary
Brownie · Centaur · Chimimoryo · Cockatrice · Daka · Dead Spirit · Dragon · Dwarf · Elemental · Faun · Garuda · Goblin · Golem · Harpy · Hydra · Incubus · Jötunn · Kelpie · Kundalini · Makara · Merrow · Ogre · Pishacha · Troll · Unicorn |