Typically, elves are known to have pointy ears and are either as tall as humans or short in stature. They are long-lived or immortal and may vary from strikingly beautiful, immeasurably ugly or invisible. Legends of their origins vary. They are said to live on mountains or by rivers in isolated areas. One legend tells they were angels who would not choose sides between good and evil. As a result they were sent to earth where they became elves. Other stories are of elves making shoes, helping at the north pole and either being helpful or mischievous. Modern fantasy fiction trends lean toward the elvish style created by Tolkien.
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