Elves

The Elves were the first of the Children of Eru Ilúvatar to awaken in Arda, and the fairest and longest-lived of its peoples. Called the Firstborn, or the Quendi ("those that speak with voices") in their own tongue, they were immortal within the life of the world, ageless and unwearying, slain only by violence or grief.

Origins

The Elves awoke beside the waters of Cuiviénen in the east of Middle-earth in the long ages before the rising of the Sun and Moon, when the world was lit only by the stars kindled by Varda. The Valar summoned them to dwell in the Blessed Realm of Valinor in the West, and many made the Great Journey across Middle-earth in answer.

Divisions

Those who undertook the journey and reached the sea were called the Eldar, divided into three kindreds: the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri. Many Teleri lingered along the way, becoming the Sindar (Grey-elves) of Doriath and Beleriand, whose greatest lord was Círdan the Shipwright. The Elves who refused the journey and remained in the wilds were called the Avari, the Unwilling.

Fate

Bound to the world until its end, Elves did not die of age or sickness. The slain or weary passed to the Halls of Mandos in the West. As the ages turned and the Dominion of Men drew near, many Elves grew weary of Middle-earth and took ship over the Great Sea from the Grey Havens, sailing into the West and the Undying Lands. By the end of the Third Age this fading and departure had become the lot of nearly all their remaining people.

Culture

The Elves were makers and lovers of beauty, skilled in song, craft, and lore. The Noldor were the greatest of craftsmen, and it was Fëanor of the Noldor who wrought the Silmarils. Elven realms in the later ages included Lothlórien, the woodland realm of Mirkwood, and Rivendell.