The Elves, also known as the Eldar, are a race living in Middle-earth. They are immortal, having been the firstborn race of all inhabitants. They are divided into groups, such as the High Elves and the Silvan Elves.
Description[]
The Firstborn of all peoples, all elves are immortal and do not age as humans do, though in times of war they may still be killed. Many of the High Elves, the elves who lived in Valinor in the First Age, long to return to the home they left behind, but feel it is their duty to remain in Middle-earth to protect its realms and peoples.
Types of Elves[]
High Elves[]
The High Elves, also known as the Eldar, were the Elves who lived in Valinor. They were ruled by the royal house of Finarfin.[1] The Elves who dwelt in Valinor had no word for death. When Morgoth destroyed the Two Trees of Valinor and stole the Simarils, a legion of Elves traveled from Valinor to Middle-earth to wage war on the Dark Lord and his servants.[2]
Silvan Elves[]
The Silvan Elves, also known as the Wood-elves,[1] were Elves who never left Middle-earth for Valinor. They hailed from the now-sunken land of Beleriand,[3] and in forest realms such as Greenwood the Great.[1] They hold a great love for the natural word, especially trees. They delight in their wood and life within them, often watching them grow from acorns to ruinous old age. With enough time, some Silvan elves claim to hear voices of the trees and understand their thoughts[4]
Eleven-smiths[]
The Elven-smiths are master craftsmen who reside in their established realm, Eregion.[5]
Artificers[]
The Artificers are healers amongst the Elven people. Because most Elven wounds heal on their own accord, the Artificers are tasked with "rendering hidden truths as works of beauty."[2] When Halbrand was injured, he required Elven medicine from an artificer to heal his wounds.[6] Galadriel brought him to Eregion where he received the care he needed to fully recover.[7]
Half-Elves[]
Half-Elves are elves who have Manish ancestry as well as Elven. They can choose to live as Elves, or live and die as long-lived Men. At least this later sort could grow beards.[8]
Characteristics[]
The Elves are an easily identifiable race primarily because of their pointed ears, unnatural beauty, and immortality. However, they can disguise themselves as humans by covering their ears. They are incredibly strong, fast, and have heightened senses that allow them an advantage in battle and life. They have the ability to both consume and retain vast quantities of literature and knowledge. Many communicate in multiple languages, both written and spoken.
Elves cease to age when they reach maturity, giving them immortality in the sense they do not age. Time passes differently for them, with twenty years being incredibly short.[5] Though hardy of body, elves are still susceptible to physical injury, and may still die from injuries and unnatural causes - including drowning[9] or bad weather. They have a higher tolerance for the cold and heat, but can still suffer frostbite and other weather-related ailments. Elves much faster and more completely then other races. Their bodies are designed to withstand long journeys and physical feats, but they are not immune to exhaustion or fatigue.[2]
They are an incredibly beautiful race with smooth skin and attractive builds.[5] They can fluently speak and write in several languages.[2] They derived the runic alphabet of Cirth, which was later adapted for dwarven purposes.[9] Some elves, such as their lords and princesses, cast magical spells.[10][11]
The elves have an affinity for music with many of their kind becoming minstrels. The stars are beloved by the elves, who revere the Vala Elbereth, or Varda.[9]
Appearances[]
- Season One
- "A Shadow of the Past" (First appearance)
- "Adrift"
- "Adar"
- "The Great Wave"
- "Partings"
- "Udûn"
- "The Eye"
- "Alloyed"
- Season Two
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 X-Ray trivia for the episode "A Shadow of the Past"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "A Shadow of the Past"
- ↑ Amazon Prime Video official description for Arondir
- ↑ X-ray trivia for the episode "Adar" as if they were conscious beings.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Adrift"
- ↑ "The Eye (episode)"
- ↑ "Alloyed"
- ↑ Adar (episode)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 X-ray trivia for the episode "Adrift"
- ↑ Udûn (episode)
- ↑ Shadow and Flame