subject: The Elves - A History [print this page] Having come down to us from the dawn of recorded history, there are few legends that have inspired as many children's stories, as well as mature literary creations of the highest order, as the mysterious culture sometimes known only as the nature people.
The nature people are said to possess unique powers, perhaps even of a magical kind. When that is the case, a different name is sometimes used; a name that has graced mighty rivers, and served as title to wizened monarchs. History reserves then for special attention and proclamation, the designation Elf.
In the year 6 A.D., Augustus Caesar reigned supreme at the center of man's known world, Rome.
Augustus Caesar had in that year sent Tiberius, future leader of the Empire, with an expeditionary force, to the North in search of lands to add to the territory over which the Roman eagle might soar.
Augustus' desire, as always, was to expand the Empire's reach, so that every Roman citizen, no matter how far or fast he might travel, would never suffer to gaze upon a horizon over which Rome's legions had no command.
In the autumn of AD 6, Tiberius' force was camped on the southwest bank of a concourse which would in future times be named the Elbe (Elf Woman). The Romans were approximately 200 kilometers south of the North Sea. (As we know, the 1175 kilometer Elbe has its source in the highlands of what we today refer to as southern Poland. Its flow then proceeds south and west, being joined along the way by sister tributaries, including the Havel and the Ohre. Finally, the Elbe runs sharply northwest to join the dark waters of the North Sea.)
In Tiberius' own journal we read, "The area was rich in forest, fish and game; but also for the past two days, a region eerily quiet, almost as if nature itself were awaiting someone to utter a command."
On the third day of their encampment, the dawn of which Tiberius had planned to move across the Elbe, having refreshed his force with food and much needed rest, without warning, a clarion from the northeastern shore of the Elbe at that location was heard by several legionnaires.
Peering through the morning mists, four Roman centurions spied a small, but royally attired figure, standing easily upon a craft fashioned of a hollowed log. The figure was perhaps thirty meters from the centurions, and, contrary to the laws of nature, seemed, despite the river's flow, to remain in a fixed position upon the water.
One of the centurions shouted to the visitor, inquiring whether he was friend or foe. He ordered his scorpio bearing soldiers to stand fast, to lower their bows; and to await further command.
In a steady, strong voice, a deep sound, one to be anticipated of a much larger man, the figure announced, "I would speak with the leader of your force."
Although the language of the visitor was foreign to the Romans, they understood plainly what was being said. This amazed and chilled the most battle-hardened warriors among them.
Hearing this request, however, the command centurion sent a messenger, with all haste, to the large white four-sided tent-like enclosure situated three hundred paces hence upon a rise.
Tiberius, arriving upon the scene, was amazed at what he saw. In addition to the kingly figure, there were clearly visible now several hundred of his kinsmen on the far bank, intently observing the proceedings.
Without hesitation, Tiberius asked the apparition who he was, and what his mission might be.
Having been thus addressed, the regal being announced, "My name is Celtric. I am king of the Elbe Forest. I wish only to determine if you are spirit or flesh; of the light or of the darkness. I wish only to come ashore in safety, touch your hand, and look upon the light of your eyes."
Tiberius, despite the protests of several of his personal guard, immediately granted the request.
Celtric looked upon Tiberius, and Tiberius in his turn gazed upon the most unusual personage he had ever encountered.
Celtric, leader of the Elves, as described by Tiberius in subsequent writings, was "perhaps the height of the back of a small pony. He possessed a broad chest, clearly that of a warrior, and his eyes were of a hazel color, reminding me of an autumn's dawn. Celtric's face was regal, with balanced features, straight prominent nose, and hair the color of October hay, but with a fine sheen which reflected the sun's light in strange and unusual ways."
Upon ascertaining that Tiberius was indeed a man, the Elf asked Tiberius what was his heart's desire.
Tiberius shared with his guest the command of Augustus to discover additional lands for the Empire.
The Elf king then told Tiberius that so long as the Empire was just, they, the dwellers of the Elbe Forest, welcomed new friends.
The lesson to be gathered here is that all we know as men isn't necessarily all there is of reality. There is much in the world still to be learned, some of which is accurately described in the ancient texts having come down to us as simple folklore.
