The Elfin Knight

"The Elfin Knight" is a traditional folk song that features a young woman bargaining with a mysterious, supernatural figure—often an elf or fairy—about marriage. The knight challenges her with riddles or tasks, symbolizing tests of courage, wit, or social standing. The song explores themes of love, enchantment, and societal expectations, encapsulating the tension between human desires and supernatural forces. Its storytelling style and lyrical repetition make it memorable, and it has influenced many variations in different cultures' folklore and music traditions.