This was the most popular work of Denmark's favorite and most significant Romantic-Era composer. In style it follows the example of Gade's mentor, Felix Mendelssohn. It was written to be within the grasp of the orchestras and choral societies of Denmark of the time, to a libretto by Edmund Lobedanz, a Danish-speaking German poet who also prepared a German version, making it quite popular in that country, as well. It is based on old Danish folk ballads

The tale is of a young bridegroom who is bewitched into visiting the elf hill, unwisely visits there the night before his wedding, has the strength to resist the enchantments of the elf king's daughter. The angered elf maiden lays a spell on him that saps his strength, and while greeting his wedding guests the next morning he drops dead. The music is colorful and exciting. Its orchestration is innovative, particularly in the way Gade uses a piano as an orchestral instrument.

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