Díne
The elves of Taur-na-Chardhîn are known as the Díne, which translated means "the silent ones".
Naming Traditions
Unisex names
Naming conventions are complex, as both parents name the child, and the individual often chooses additional names for themselves later, or are given names by others. According to tradition, an Elf can have four types of names, acquired at various times of their lives. The three first names are called the anessi, the amilessë, and the epessë. The last type of name is called the kilmessë. Due to this complex naming tradition names tend to be unique but also unisex.
Anessi: chosen by the father and often derived from the father's or mother's own name or derived from old legends. Given at or near birth.
Amilessë: chosen by the mother and often prophetic in nature. Given sometimes at or near birth but often bestowed years later. They often describe the physical appearance of the child or a character trait. Sometimes the name divulged details about the child's fate or strong characteristics. These names are rarely known by any except the mother and child, and are considered extremely important.
Epessë: often acquired by an Elf as an honorific later in life. Many times it is related to their role within their clan.
Kilmessë: a name chosen by an Elf for themselves as a disguise or to refer to deeds, talents and personal history.
The anessi and the amilessë are the Elf's 'true names' and are rarely spoken as it is believed that true names hold power over an individual. The anessi is the name an Elf uses in public until a kilmessë is chosen. When an Elf does not yet have a epessë, their mother's kilmessë is used instead.
Anessi: chosen by the father and often derived from the father's or mother's own name or derived from old legends. Given at or near birth.
Amilessë: chosen by the mother and often prophetic in nature. Given sometimes at or near birth but often bestowed years later. They often describe the physical appearance of the child or a character trait. Sometimes the name divulged details about the child's fate or strong characteristics. These names are rarely known by any except the mother and child, and are considered extremely important.
Epessë: often acquired by an Elf as an honorific later in life. Many times it is related to their role within their clan.
Kilmessë: a name chosen by an Elf for themselves as a disguise or to refer to deeds, talents and personal history.
The anessi and the amilessë are the Elf's 'true names' and are rarely spoken as it is believed that true names hold power over an individual. The anessi is the name an Elf uses in public until a kilmessë is chosen. When an Elf does not yet have a epessë, their mother's kilmessë is used instead.
Family names
Among the Díne the concept of a family name or a surname is not something they are accustomed to. The nearest thing to this is some tribes will follow their name with that of their tribe. Some tribes don't even have that and simply go by a singular name.
Culture
Funerary and Memorial customs
The Díne people have a tradition of burying their dead in the ground and planting a tree over the remains. They believe that with death comes the final rite of elven life and that is to make the journey to the afterlife. It is a treacherous journey believed to be made more perilous by the servants of evil gods. Therefore, the Díne began burying two items alongside their dead: an oaken staff, to help them travel paths of the Beyond, and a bow made from ironbark to defend themselves. Another danger waiting on the path to the afterlife is the Dread Wolf who patrols the Beyond for the souls of the dead to feast upon. The Díne may invoke Sehanine Moonbow, goddess of the moon, dreams, mysteries, secrets, travel/journeys, and protector of the elven dead, on their deathbed or before embarking on a journey they don't expect to return from. The Díne believe that thrummren are the heralds of Sehanine Moonbow, and one will lead an elf into the afterlife.
Andalore was a sleep-like state that ancient elves entered when they became weary of life. It wasn't the same as death, though sometimes, the elves would not wake up from this slumber. There are several poems about Andalore, which are nowadays used in the context of mourning.
Common Myths and Legends
The Díne believe that once long ago the elves were immortal but proximity to non elves changed them into mortal beings. The sentiment of this statement varies from elf to elf. Some would say it with resentment, others factually, and some as some far off tale. The accuracy of it is unknown however.
Ideals
Relationship Ideals
Díne romantic and sexual relationships were often polyamorous in nature, members of the race freely engaging or ceasing relations with new partners. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness are as a result viewed as reasons for teasing or mockery. As a result of these perspectives on love, many other cultures often believe that any relationships engaged with the Díne is destined to fail from the start.
As for relationships of non-heterosexuality there is no stigma among the Díne, in fact romances between men are even common among hunters, which tends to be a male dominated role, and is seen as a pure thing. The only thing Díne may frown upon is the refusal to have children, as elven fertility rates are very low.
The Díne have no direct qualms with interracial romance, but it is generally frowned upon as outsiders are drawn into the clan. However having children with other races is taboo, and in many cases if the child stays with the clan they are faced with a difficult life. This likely stems from the fact that children born of an elf and another race physically take after the other species.
As for relationships of non-heterosexuality there is no stigma among the Díne, in fact romances between men are even common among hunters, which tends to be a male dominated role, and is seen as a pure thing. The only thing Díne may frown upon is the refusal to have children, as elven fertility rates are very low.
The Díne have no direct qualms with interracial romance, but it is generally frowned upon as outsiders are drawn into the clan. However having children with other races is taboo, and in many cases if the child stays with the clan they are faced with a difficult life. This likely stems from the fact that children born of an elf and another race physically take after the other species.
Fëalim
Fëalim was a ritual held in extremely high regard and was a serious choice. Most other cultures equate it to marriage, but the Dine place a lot of weight on it. Fëalim is seen as a permanent thing and is considered the highest expression of love and devotion in their culture. So much so that many clans will go centuries between witnessing one occur. I suppose that when you live for almost a thousand years its important to pick who you'll be spending it with carefully.Major organizations
The Taur-na-Chardhîn Tribes are comprised entirely of elves, and it is rare to find any of the Díne elsewhere.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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