For Water-Elf Disease

Anglo-Saxon charm and medical treatment From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"For Water-Elf Disease" (Old English: Wiþ Wæterælfadle) is an Anglo-Saxon metrical charm that was intended for use in curing the "water-elf disease," which was a disease supposedly caused by elf-shot from water elves.[1][2][3] It is written in Old English and derives from Bald's Leechbook (10th century).

Some historians have suggested that the disease referred to may be chicken pox or dropsy (oedema).[4] A poultice is made with many herbs and placed on the wound.[5][6]

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Translated by Dr. Ophelia Eryn Hostetter.

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