🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi,

  I was wondering if anyone out there knows the etymology of the word "elf"
(as in a fairy:  not the fish, nor the measurement, nor the verb).  I have
looked into the OED, which elves OE. ielf (if I remember correctly), pl.
ylfe.  Also there is German alp and Norse alf (I think, as in Alfheim?; I am
afraid I am not very well versed in Norse mythology).  In any case, I am
interested is there are any older forms (i.e. Gothic), connections to other
IE words (perhaps latin albiz? or German Alp), and, most importantly, an PIE
root and its root-sense?  Unfortunately I am decidedly no linguist, so I
would much appreciated if you could keep it simple.
  Also, if there are any theories about its original meaning.  I think I
read somewhere that the Gothic equivalents were beings with more magical
powers, not diminuitive, and more or less benevolent; however, I can't
remember the source.

  Secondarily, does anyone know of any good (more or less introductory)
up to date texts to historical/comparative (primarly Indo-european)
linguistics, and most importantly, where to get them?  Something akin to
An Introduction to Historical Linguistics (if possible more extensive,
especially in the reconstructive part); I have not been able to find that
one in nearby bookstores.

P.S.:  My e-mail address (given below), while it usually works, sometimes
looses messages or delays them substantially.  If I don't ackowledge your
message, I have not received it; my apologies in advance.

Thanks in advance,

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|Nelde  cormar nu i  Menel  Eldat rin, | .   . | Elyo, Milan Rezac, Elenril |
|Otso  Naukot£rin  rondontassen sarna, |:  . . |  milan.rezac@canrem.uucp   |
|Nerte  martyane fira  f¡rimar Hildin, |  . *  |             *              |
|Mine Mornaturoin mahalmaryosse morna. |.   .  |    * Oltany‰ Elellion *    |
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 þ DeLuxeý 1.26b #7817 þ Nai i Menelcalar kalyavar tielya ullume.
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