Originally conceived as a domestic spirit—a tiny, often invisible inhabitant of a home who acts as its true "owner".
Historically viewed as radiant "light elves" or shadowy "dark elves" residing in hidden realms. Elf: El Duende
While modern Western culture often views elves as benevolent toy-makers, the duende of Latin American and Spanish folklore remains a much more ambiguous and sometimes sinister figure. Originally conceived as a domestic spirit—a tiny, often