Elf
Please post your comments and suggestions for this article.
Comment by Rowan Taylor on December 7th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
The following passage should be rewritten.
“While many of these depictions are considered purely fictional, creatures such as elves, somewhat like human beings but with abilities that transcend the physical realm, find correlates in the angels and demons of many religions. For those who believe in the afterlife, stories of elves may be considered to have originated from fleeting experiences of creatures from the spiritual realm. According to many spiritualists, elves and fairies are ethereal creatures of a lower vibrational type than angels, associated with nature. However, sometimes angels and demons take on the appearance of elves and fairies for the purpose of relating with humans.”
The passage cites “many spiritualists” but does not reference them and suggests “for those who believe” that some elf depictions are not fictitious but manifestations of angels or other spiritual creatures. This is religious opinion masquerading as information. The writer might equally have said “For those who disbelieve, stories of elves may be considered to have originated in fantasy storytelling around the campfire.” Either way, it is opinion and is best left out. Leave the reader to integrate the information with their own belief system in whatever form they wish. My suggested rewrite would stick to the facts as follows – and perhaps include, if one exists, a reference for the second sentence:
“Creatures such as elves, somewhat like human beings but with abilities that transcend the physical realm, find correlates in the angels and demons of many religions. Sometimes angels and demons take on the appearance of elves and fairies for the purpose of relating with humans.”
Comment by Jennifer Tanabe on December 8th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Thank you for your comment. Your point is well taken and the text of the article will be revised based on your suggestion.
Jennifer P. Tanabe, Social Sciences Editor, NWE
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