The Svartálfar (black elves) are mythical beings from Norse mythology. They should not be confused with the Dokkalfar (dark elves). They grew from the maggots of Ymir's flesh, and while similar to men, they are ugly and misshapen. They live in earth and in stones, and their dwelling places is one of the nine worlds upon the world-ash Yggdrasil, Svartalfheim. The daylight turns them to stone.
They are often identified with the Dwarves and the Trolls. According to Kevin Crossley-Holland, "No valid distinction though can be drawn between the dwarfs and the dark elves; they appear to have been interchangeable."
Elves are usually considered not to be hostile to humans but are not to be trifled with, often looking down at the human race as inferior, as we look at pets and other animals.
In some mythologies there are also dark elves (svartalfer in Nordic mythology, and popularized by TSR as drow), which are wicked and evil.
Elves are enemies of the goblins and are generally said to have a longstanding quarrel with the dwarves.
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