1. Plural of erlking; a supernatural being or spirit from Germanic folklore, typically depicted as a malevolent creature that lures children away.
Usage: literary; folklore; often capitalized in reference to the specific figure in Goethe's poem

Examples

• The erlkings of Germanic legend were said to haunt forests and meadows.
• In folklore, erlkings were feared as dangerous spirits that preyed on travelers.
• Goethe's famous poem 'The Erlking' depicts a supernatural encounter with this mythical creature.
• Many European folktales feature erlkings as antagonists in stories told to children.
• The concept of erlkings has influenced countless works of literature and music throughout history.