Who is the erlkonig in schuberts songs?

The Erlkönig, or "Elf King," is a character from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's poem, which Franz Schubert set to music in his famous art song (lied) "Erlkönig." In the song, the Erlkönig represents a supernatural figure who tempts and ultimately seduces a child away from his father during a nighttime ride. The piece is notable for its dramatic narrative and the contrasting musical themes that differentiate the characters, creating a sense of tension and urgency. The Erlkönig embodies themes of death, fear, and the allure of the unknown.