Elf vs. Supernatural — What's the Difference?

An elf (plural: elves) is a type of humanoid supernatural being in Germanic mythology and folklore (especially North Germanic mythology and folklore). In medieval Germanic-speaking cultures, elves generally seem to have been thought of as beings with magical powers and supernatural beauty, ambivalent towards everyday people and capable of either helping or hindering them.

The supernatural encompasses supposed phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. It is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature ).

A mythical creature in human form but usually smaller, often considered mischievous.

(of a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature

A lively, mischievous child.

Manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts

A usually sprightly or mischievous or sometimes spiteful person.

Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.

(Norse mythology) A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.

Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.

Any from a race of mythical, supernatural beings resembling but seen as distinct from human beings. They are usually delicate-featured and skilled in magic or spellcrafting; sometimes depicted as clashing with dwarves, especially in modern fantasy literature.

Of or relating to a deity.

(fantasy) Any of the magical, typically forest-guarding races bearing some similarities to the Norse álfar (through Tolkien's Eldar).

Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.

A very diminutive person; a dwarf.

Of or relating to the miraculous.

(South Africa) The bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).

That which is supernatural.

To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.

Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that which humans are born with.

An imaginary supernatural being, commonly a little sprite, much like a fairy; a mythological diminutive spirit, supposed to haunt hills and wild places, and generally represented as delighting in mischievous tricks.

Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.

A very diminutive person; a dwarf.

(countable) A supernatural being

To entangle mischievously, as an elf might do.

(uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively when used with definite article: "the supernatural"

(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous

Being beyond, or exceeding, the power or laws of nature; miraculous.

Below 3 kilohertz

Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;

Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;