Erl-King

in German legend, a goblin or mythical being who haunts the Black Forest. The Erl-king is a malignant creature who entices children from their homes by promises or bright visions, and then destroys them. His influence upon all, young and old, is evil. Goethe's ballad, Der Erlkonig, and its translations into English are familiar. The word, erlking, is from the Danish, and means king of the elves. Herder's translation of a Danish ballad introduced the Erl-king into Germany.