Where do House Elves come from?

[Carol]

Carol earlier:
<snippity-snip, snip> [other post should also be included here, but
you can read....]
> > As others have noted, there's no connection between JKR's
House-Elves, which are derived from folklore ...
<snip of some really good references>
> >...JKR probably didn't think out their origins. She just wanted to
adapt the concept for her own purposes
<Snip (again of some good stuff, but you can read...)>
 
> bdclark0423:
> [applause here]
> Carol, you are superbly versed! <snip sig>

Carol again:

Thanks. Earning a PhD in English does train you as a reader! ;-)

Carol, happy that you liked her post and blushing a little as she types!