Elves

The Elder Race of Middle-earth, the chosen people of Iluvatar. Also known as Quendi and Eldar.

Characteristics
They are tall, beautiful, strong and wise. They are immortal, meaning that they can only be killed by weapons or by losing the will to live by severe grief. When the choose to lay down their life, they spend some time in the halls of Mandos and then return to life.

Elves are usually either carefree and merry, or sad and thoughtful. They enjoy song and poetry, and derive little joy from acts of war.

Their eyes have the light of the stars and are as keen as those of an eagle. Elves love beauty and are gifted with skill in all crafts, including speech, song and magic.

History
In the First Age some were captured and corrupted by Morgoth who hated them from the start, and were made as Orcs. They taught the Ents speech. They were invited by the Valar to Valinor where they were taught. However some followed Feanor to Beleriand to battle Morgoth in the War of the Silmarils and were joined by Men.

In the Second Age some Elves went to Valinor and kept friendship with Numenor but others refused. Sauron used their pride and made the elven smiths of Eregion to create the Rings of Power, who then raised a great army and made war with Sauron. His forces were large and drove back the Elves. When all was lost, the Numenoreans arrived to assist them. In the end of the Age, they made the Last Alliance with Men and destroyed Sauron.

In the Third Age they allied with the Wizards against the shadow of Mirkwood. During that age Elves sail westward to Valinor and most live there.

Four major enclaves of elves remained in Middle-earth:


 * The Grey Havens of Cirdan west of the Shire
 * The Last Homely House of Elrond at Rivendell
 * Lothlorien ruled by Lady Galadriel
 * The kingdom of Thranduil in Northern Mirkwood