To some extent this interesting problem will be examined in our chapter entitled Science and Fairies; here we shall simply outline the metaphysical theory, adding the testimony of some of its living advocates to explain the smallness of elvish spirits and fairies.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz
Further examination of the animistic hypothesis designed to explain the smallness of elvish spirits leads away from mere mythology into psychology, and sets us the task of finding out if, after all, primitive ideas about the disembodied human soul may not have originated or at least have helped to shape the Celtic folk conception of fairies as small-statured beings.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz
At best the woman would have been wilder, more elvish, capricious, and unaccountable.
"Life And Adventures Of Peter Wilkins, Vol. I. (of II.)"
Robert Paltock Commentator: A. H. Bullen