In Nordic mythology elves are creatures of light who embody the forces of nature and occupy a position between mortals and the gods. They are shy and, though physically weaker than mortals, can harm them. Elves enjoy dancing in lonely places on moonlit summer nights. Ludwig Tieck tells of their doings in his fairytale `Die Elfen¿ (The Elves). Schwind shows them as magical beings, using pale colours to suggest their weightlessness as they dance in a circle in mid-air.