Claude Lecouteux is a former professor of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne. He is the author of numerous books on medieval and pagan afterlife beliefs and magic, including The Book of Grimoires, Dictionary of Ancient Magic Words and Spells, and The Tradition of Household Spirits. He lives in Paris.

Foreword by Régis Boyer

INTRODUCTION The Twists and Turns of Tradition

PART ONE

THE LITERARY TRADITIONS
1 The Medieval Belief in Pygmies and Dwarfs

2 The Dwarf in Western Literature Romance, Celtic, Germanic

3 The Legend of Aubéron From the French Huon de Bordeaux

4 The Legends of Alberîch From Norse Sagas and Germanic Tales

5 The Relatives of Aubéron From the French Bataille Loquifer

A Provisional Conclusion

PART TWO
MYTHOLOGIES AND BELIEFS
6 The Dwarfs Their Origin, Size, Names, Skills, and the Beliefs Surrounding Them

7 The Elves The Philosophy, Cultural Prospects, and Legends Surrounding Them

PART THREE

THE EVOLUTION OF BELIEFS AND SURVIVALS

8 The Demonization of Elves and Dwarfs

9 The Survivors of Pagan Legends Duses, Sprites, Kobolds, and Howlers

EPILOGUE

Once Upon a Time . . . They Existed Because We Believed

Afterword to the Second Edition

Afterword to the Fourth Edition

Notes

Bibliography

Glossary

Index