Elves
Basic Information
Anatomy
Known for their slender, lithe build, larger eyes, and pointed ears.
Ecology and Habitats
The original home of the Elves was The Dales until The Orlesian Empire burned it down leaving nothing but The Hissing Wastes.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Modern humans use the racial slurs "knife ears," "slant-eared" or, less cruelly, "rabbit." Though most of the elven language has been lost, they once referred to themselves as "elvhen," which means "the People". They aimed to restore their lost language and lore in their new homeland of The Dales
The elven language, or Elvish, was largely lost when the Dales were burned. The Elvish of the Shadow Age is thus a fragmented remnant, a few words that are thrown into conversation rather than a working language used to conduct everyday life. The Forest Elves, self-appointed custodians of the elven language and lore, use more Elvish than their High Elf brethren
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The elves have separated into two distinct groups: Forest Elves, who choose to lead nomadic lives and strive to keep elven culture alive rather than submit, and the High elves, who live alongside humans, usually as impoverished outcasts, and have adopted many human customs. Many elves are still held as slaves on other continents, and many others have joined the Grey Wardens in hopes for better lives. Overall, the elves are now a people associated with poverty, crime, and barbarism, and are often used as scapegoats for humanity's difficulties.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Elves of Thedas participate in holidays exclusive to their race.
Yenearsira- Winter Solstice, the Elven new year. A day of rebirth. Takes place during the winter solstice, marking the end of the death that autumn brings, and the first day of Winterfest. On this day, the elves believe the earth is purified while she lies underneath her blanket of snow. Even in those regions where the sun doesn't rise and the snow lies eternally across the land, the winter solstice is seen as the changing of the old year into the new. Elves honoring this holy day spend the day in the company of each other or alone in quiet meditation. They discuss quietly the past and share their thoughts on the future. They regard the human practice of ushering in the new year with feasting and drinking senselessly barbaric—the mark of people unable to truly understand the passing of time.
Ehtele'mele- Vernal equinox. A week of romance and song. Although winter is seen as the turning point of the year, the vernal equinox (Springrite) represents a time of fertility among the elves, who spend this season engaged in the pursuits of romance and song. Elves spend the week around the equinox dancing and singing, involved in nothing but merriment. All important decisions and actions are postponed until the week is over. This is the time of year when most couples bond in marriage or announce that they are promised.
The Day of Red Embers- A Day of remembrance for those lost at the Burning of The Dales The loss of the Dales was traumatic for the Dalish elves as they were forced to become a nomadic race. Though many forced alliances in Ferelden cities there are others who could not forget their roots of freedom. This day is set aside to remember those who have fallen. Many elves spend the week before to gather a plant called Crystal Grace and, on the day, they set it ablaze producing a beautiful blue flame.
Yenearsira- Winter Solstice, the Elven new year. A day of rebirth. Takes place during the winter solstice, marking the end of the death that autumn brings, and the first day of Winterfest. On this day, the elves believe the earth is purified while she lies underneath her blanket of snow. Even in those regions where the sun doesn't rise and the snow lies eternally across the land, the winter solstice is seen as the changing of the old year into the new. Elves honoring this holy day spend the day in the company of each other or alone in quiet meditation. They discuss quietly the past and share their thoughts on the future. They regard the human practice of ushering in the new year with feasting and drinking senselessly barbaric—the mark of people unable to truly understand the passing of time.
Ehtele'mele- Vernal equinox. A week of romance and song. Although winter is seen as the turning point of the year, the vernal equinox (Springrite) represents a time of fertility among the elves, who spend this season engaged in the pursuits of romance and song. Elves spend the week around the equinox dancing and singing, involved in nothing but merriment. All important decisions and actions are postponed until the week is over. This is the time of year when most couples bond in marriage or announce that they are promised.
The Day of Red Embers- A Day of remembrance for those lost at the Burning of The Dales The loss of the Dales was traumatic for the Dalish elves as they were forced to become a nomadic race. Though many forced alliances in Ferelden cities there are others who could not forget their roots of freedom. This day is set aside to remember those who have fallen. Many elves spend the week before to gather a plant called Crystal Grace and, on the day, they set it ablaze producing a beautiful blue flame.
History
Long ago, the elves were the dominant race on Thedas, and their advanced civilization was based on nature, the Fade and magic. After the fall of their great city of Arlathan and the empire of Elvhenan, plundered by Darkspawn and the subsequent generations of slavery, the elves lost most of their cultural heritage and identity. They attempted to rebuild their society in the Dales, but after three centuries the Dales fell to The Chantry.
Common Myths and Legends
“Before the ages were named or numbered, our people were glorious and eternal and never-changing. They felt no need to rush when life was endless. From time to time, our ancestors would drift into centuries-long slumber, but this was not death, for we know they wandered the Fade in dreams.”
Elvhenan, meaning "place of our people" in the elven language, was the original civilization of the elves, or elvhen and It once covered most of Thedas The Dalish retained vague memories of early history, when elven gods walked the earth, spoke to the people, and provided them with knowledge, counsel, and protection, while the people prayed and made offerings to them amongst lush forests and ancient trees. Elves did not age. They were not immortal, but they did not suffer from deterioration of mind or body. The Dalish believe that magic is the gift of their gods, and all elvhen once had it.
It is said that elves built multiple cities. Most Dalish stories, however, focus on the fabled city of Arlathan, or "this place of love". As a result, human scholars came to believe that it was the only elven settlement of note. Arlathan was a place where the best of the ancient elves would go to trade knowledge, greet old friends, and settle disputes that had gone on for millennia, with homes, galleries, and amphitheaters that stood for ages.
Elvhenan, meaning "place of our people" in the elven language, was the original civilization of the elves, or elvhen and It once covered most of Thedas The Dalish retained vague memories of early history, when elven gods walked the earth, spoke to the people, and provided them with knowledge, counsel, and protection, while the people prayed and made offerings to them amongst lush forests and ancient trees. Elves did not age. They were not immortal, but they did not suffer from deterioration of mind or body. The Dalish believe that magic is the gift of their gods, and all elvhen once had it.
It is said that elves built multiple cities. Most Dalish stories, however, focus on the fabled city of Arlathan, or "this place of love". As a result, human scholars came to believe that it was the only elven settlement of note. Arlathan was a place where the best of the ancient elves would go to trade knowledge, greet old friends, and settle disputes that had gone on for millennia, with homes, galleries, and amphitheaters that stood for ages.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Dalish tell that when Humans first arrived, elves named them "shemlen", or "quicklings" for their short life span. Elves viewed the other race as brash, warlike and impatient. They contracted human diseases, some of which proved lethal. Furthermore, those who spent time with the humans found themselves aging. Fearful, elves immediately moved to close Elvhenan off from the humans to preserve their civilization
As the human Tevinter Imperium rose to power, they moved to conquer Arlathan (aided, it is said, by demons and dragon thralls). According to the Dalish, when the city was breached their ancestors chose to flee rather than fight. Then Tevinter magisters used their great destructive power to force the very ground to swallow Arlathan whole. Elves were enslaved, and human contact quickened their veins until every captured elf turned mortal.
The Dalish attribute the failure of their gods to protect the people to the trickster god Fen'Harel, who had deceived both the elven pantheon and their nemeses, the Forgotten Ones, and had trapped them in heaven and in the abyss, respectively. It is also theorized that Fen'Harel created the Veil to block any connection to the patheon for as long as it remains.
As the human Tevinter Imperium rose to power, they moved to conquer Arlathan (aided, it is said, by demons and dragon thralls). According to the Dalish, when the city was breached their ancestors chose to flee rather than fight. Then Tevinter magisters used their great destructive power to force the very ground to swallow Arlathan whole. Elves were enslaved, and human contact quickened their veins until every captured elf turned mortal.
The Dalish attribute the failure of their gods to protect the people to the trickster god Fen'Harel, who had deceived both the elven pantheon and their nemeses, the Forgotten Ones, and had trapped them in heaven and in the abyss, respectively. It is also theorized that Fen'Harel created the Veil to block any connection to the patheon for as long as it remains.
Genetic Descendants
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