I think that the alfr, etc, are still feared. While I was in Germany (the Black Forest to be particular) a guide described one of the drowning tales and his face was a bit more pale than I saw it on the rest of the trip. He very seriously told us that people still avoided the lake, especially at night (this is when the alfr/fae/etc was supposed to come out to catch unaware people nearby the lake).
It's pretty sad that something which still strikes fear into people is being laughed at. Maybe that really shows how over-privileged Americans have become.
Your remark toward Americans is offensive. There are overprivelaged people in many Nations. I fear Nothing but I do not make fun either. There is nothing overprivelaged about Americans. Any nation could achieve the freedoms we have. Even thugh the politicians are corrupt and the people are trampled on in many regards. :-)
Like what has already been said, a lot of things that Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and Skyrim all draw from is real folklore and practices. A lot of those mentioned things drawn from norse paganism and tradition- which includes elven magick (alfar), working with giant (jotunfolk), etc. A lot of fantasy has taken the concepts presented in these real spiritual practices and twisted it into, well, fantasy . But they are based in real work. When it comes to working with alfar-related magicks, or elven magick, there's a lot of illusion based magick and earth-related magick that comes from working with them.
Here's a read up on the alfar that has to do with magick:
I didn't mean the remark to be offensive in any way, I apologize if I did offend anyone. I am not the most adept at expression, and that is my own fault. I am newer to the realm of the arcane, and am aware that there are many different aspects. As to Fae and Elves and other creatures, I do believe. I will do more digging as to these other facets so I am more knowledgeable, and I humbly digress. Thank you all for your comments.*pulling foot out of mouth*
It's alright Gannon, that's what we are here for. Assumptions always lead to problems, no matter what the subject. That's why it is always best to ask questions. Google can't answer all questions because it is based off of words used, and magic subjects do bring up a lot fantasy results if you don't know the best terms to search.
But you responded well and that shows good character. ;) Balancing being open minded yet healthily analytical is a tough thing to accomplish without a firm base of knowledge. You're on the right road. It's better to be weary than naive.
