The Erl-King Forest: This dark, mysterious, and seemingly haunted forest is a prominent setting in the novella. It's a place of legends, superstition, and fear for the locals. The protagonist's journey into this forest symbolizes his descent into madness and his encounter with the supernatural.
The Erl-King's Tower: Located deep in the Erl-King Forest, this abandoned and dilapidated tower serves as a symbol of decay, isolation, and abandonment. It's associated with the Erl-King, a mythological figure from German folklore, who is said to inhabit the tower and lure children into his realm.
The Protagonist's House: The protagonist's home is situated on the outskirts of the forest, further establishing the close proximity of the eerie woods to his daily life. The house reflects his inner turmoil, as it's described as a place of tension and disharmony, with objects appearing misplaced or out of context.
The Town of Saint-Aignan: The protagonist frequently visits Saint-Aignan, a small town near his house. The town represents a semblance of normalcy and civilization amidst the supernatural elements surrounding him. However, even here, the protagonist feels a sense of alienation and detachment from the world.
The Cemetery: The protagonist's frequent walks to the local cemetery symbolize his obsession with death and mortality. The cemetery becomes a place of contemplation and introspection, where he grapples with his own fate and the inevitability of death.
By employing these symbolic and atmospheric locations, Michel Tournier creates a setting that enhances the protagonist's psychological journey, explores the themes of madness and obsession, and adds to the overall haunting quality of the novella.