CREATURE FEATURE

Series 3/4/5/6. Level 1/2/3.

ELVES

          Elves are one of the most famous faerie creatures in folklore. Mostly secretive, sometimes mischievous and very occasionally evil, these small woodland-dwelling magical creatures are to be found in many myths and legends. There were three elfin characters in Knightmare, all of them slightly different. A very different version of the elfin race can be found, however, in the second Knightmare book, The Labyrinths of Fear.

          King Arawn and his court of elfin knights are presented as ruthless, unholy and evil, and are clearly a lot larger and taller than traditional elves. Dave Morris has used the term elf in a wide sense here, describing faerie creatures which do not necessarily fit the same criteria as Velda, Pickle and Elita. Since elves are creatures of folklore, this interpretation of them is, of course, just as valid as any other.

          Velda (Natasha Pope) was the first elf we saw on Knightmare, in the first episode of series 3. She was a nervous, suspicious wood elf who hated goblins, and carried a crossbow and several daggers. She would have used these against dungeoneers if they had given her reason to do so, although they never did. Velda required patience and courtesy if she was to be dealt with effectively.

          Like Velda, Pickle (David Learner) was a wood elf. He, of course, was Treguard’s assistant during series 4, 5 and 6, providing a friendly face to encourage the team in times of trouble, and to help Treguard explain various things about the Dungeon and, in particular, the Greenwood. I think Pickle did a fantastic job of this, and I think it’s a shame he was replaced, particularly when you consider his successor.

          Elita (Stephanie Hesp) was a very rude cavern elf, who totally disproved Treguard’s theory of series 3 that elves were keen on courtesy. Her small stature fitted the role well, although I found her quite annoying.

Killer Instinct: 2 Velda would certainly have killed if given reason to do so.

Gore Factor: 3 Some very foul language, certainly.

Humanity: 7 Mostly like us… mostly.

Fear Factor: 6 Armed with a spear of ice, a crossbow or a sharp tongue, these elves were no pushovers.