Elegast

Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann

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The term "Elegast" was used in press releases

A brief information (language, culture of origin)

Concordance, Etymology, History

Elegast (also known as Elbegast or Alegast) is a central figure in medieval Germanic and Dutch folklore, best known from the Middle Dutch chivalric epic Karel ende Elegast (Charles and Elbegast). In the poem, Elegast possibly represents the King of the Elves. He appears as a knight on a black horse, an outcast vassal of Charlemagne living in the forest. The name comes from Proto-Germanic albi-gastiz ("elf guest"), linking him to ancient elf or dwarf king archetypes like Alberich. Unlike most Frankish heroes of the era, Elegast represents an indigenous Low Frankish/Dutch heroic archetype, blending Christian knightly themes with older pagan mythology.

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was proposed to the IAU WGSN in 2026. As this star is already named ..., the WGSN chose ... (not to apply/ to apply the name to a neighbouring star/ to ...) in the IAU-CSN.

The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN in 2026, as it has been in popular use among astrophysicists and listed in SIMBAD already.

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Reference

• References (general)
• References (early modern)
• Ian Ridpath's website (Star Tales )