How Do You Spell ERLKING?

Pronunciation: [ˈɜːlkɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "Erlking" refers to a supernatural creature in Germanic folklore. It is pronounced as /ˈɛrlkɪŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "Erl" is pronounced as "ehr-l", where the "r" sound is rolled. The second syllable "king" is pronounced as "kɪŋ", with a hard "k" sound followed by an "ing". The spelling of the word follows English orthography rules, where "Erl" is spelled with an "e" and "king" is spelled with a "k" and an "i" before "ng".

ERLKING Meaning and Definition

1. Erlking refers to a mythical, supernatural creature or spirit that holds significance in German folklore and literature. The term originated from the German word "Erlkönig," which translates to "Alder King" in English. It first gained prominence in a poem of the same name written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1782.

   The Erlking is commonly depicted as a malevolent and seductive, yet captivating figure. It is said to inhabit and control forests, particularly alder trees, hence the name. The creature is often portrayed as an alluring king-like figure with a long, flowing cape and flowing hair. He is believed to have the power to enchant and lure young children or travelers to their doom, usually through music or persuasion.

   In Goethe's famous poem, the Erlking is presented as a spirit who appears to a young child, whispering promises and trying to lure him away. The poem intensifies the sense of danger and reveals the implied malevolence of the Erlking. This character has since become a recurring motif in German Romantic literature, influencing various artistic adaptations, including music and visual arts.

   Given its rich literary and cultural history, the Erlking holds symbolic significance, often representing the dangers and temptations one may encounter when exploring the unknown or venturing into the wilderness.

Common Misspellings for ERLKING

• wrlking
• srlking
• drlking
• rrlking
• 4rlking
• 3rlking
• eelking
• edlking
• eflking
• etlking
• e5lking
• e4lking
• erkking
• erpking
• eroking
• erljing
• erlming
• erlling
• erloing

Etymology of ERLKING

The word "Erlking" has its origins in German and is derived from two German words: "Erl" and "König". "Erl" translates to "elf" or "sprite", while "König" means "king". The term "Erlkönig" first appeared in a ballad written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1782 and was later set to music by Franz Schubert in 1815. In the ballad, the Erlking is a malevolent supernatural being or spirit. The combination of "Erl" and "König" serves to evoke the idea of a powerful and otherworldly figure, often associated with forests and folklore.

Plural form of ERLKING is ERLKINGS