1. A supernatural being or spirit from Germanic folklore, typically depicted as a malevolent elf or demon that haunts forests and preys on travelers, especially children.
Usage: From German 'Erlkönig'; primarily used in literary and folkloric contexts; Often capitalized when referring to the specific figure in Goethe's poem

Examples

• In Goethe's famous poem, the erlking lures a child away from his father during a midnight ride.
• The erlking appears in many Germanic tales as a dangerous figure of the dark forest.
• Schubert's musical composition 'Der Erlkönig' dramatizes the encounter between the erlking and a dying child.
• Medieval folklore portrayed the erlking as a creature that could only be seen by those about to meet their doom.
• The erlking has inspired countless adaptations in literature, music, and film throughout European culture.