| Arrowhead-shaped flints from the Stone Age found in many parts of the British Isles,Europe,and northern Africa, which later witches supposedly used as wepons against animals and people.Elf-arrows superstitions predominate in Ireland,Scotland,and parts of England,where fairy lore is strong.According to lore,many witches learned their "craft" from faries and elves.Elf-arrows are said to be fatal to cattle,a common target of witches.Stricken cattle can be saved by touching them with the arrow,then dipping the arrow into water and giving the water to the cattle to drink. In some areas,the term "elf-shot" is still appplied to sick animals.A person shot with an elf-arrow supposedly comes down with a mysterious and fatal "supernatural illness".The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft,p.112 |
