Ron, Hermione and the Elves

[bufo_viridis at interia.pl]

No: HPFGUIDX 92481

> Neri:
> I understand that House-elves who can be released from their slavery 
> by presenting them with cloth is not JKR's sole imagination, but a 
> respected tradition/legend/mythology. Perhaps this tradition also 
> tells us about the charm that originated it? Does anybody know 
> anything about House-elves in legend and where can I read about them? 
> In the Web I can't find any non-Potterian house elves.

I think you may try looking for "brownies" - this was the name of English folklore crature of very similar function. That's what "Encyclopaedia Mythica" says about them:
"Brownie
Good-natured, invisible brown elves or household goblins who live in farmhouses and other country dwellings in Scotland. While people are asleep, they perform their labors for them. They are known to be protective creatures and they become attached to a certain place of family. Even if the family should move to another continent, the brownies will accompany them in their migration. If offered payment for their services or if they are treated badly, they disappear and are never seen again. 

The little hairy brownies, with their flat faces and pinhole nostrils, are not very attractive, but their happy smiles and extrovert characters makes up for that. The innocent nature of children allows them to see the brownies, but disbelieving adults will never get a glimpse of them. This however does not prevent the brownies from helping adults in countless minor ways."
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/b/brownie.html?esc

Cheers, Viridis

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Curiouser and curiouser!