Name: Eldar quendi (Homo quentis, rarely accepted) Elves are a fairy race, extremely beautiful by human standards. Tall and lithe, they appear weak and fragile to mortal hominids or goblinoids. Elves are extremely healthy, being immune to all known diseases. Elves are also immortal for all practical arguments.
They have exceptional eyesight, and their pointed ears hear far better than any race, except perhaps hobbits. Elves heal moderately when injured, but do not fatigue mentally to any noticeable effect. They are considerably weaker physically than other races but have a very strong intellect that makes up for what they lack physically. Elves have little tolerance for alcohol and so do not consume any malted beverage.
Even the most skilled human magicians consider elves to be extraordinary magicians. Extraordinarily intelligent and very dexterous Elves make excellent magicians. Elves have intellectual powers far beyond that of other races and make the best magic users. Elves can quickly learn how to handle even the most complicated of weapons.
They are very skilled craftsmen and forge some of the finest swords ever created. . Elves are rather carefree and happy folk and yet are very private with their own culture and interact with other cultures sparingly. They use the human tongue to be polite, but prefer to speak in their own rich language when among their kin. Elves are helpful towards other races, but do have a deep rooted enmity for half-orcs.
They are a bit weak and frail for melee combat, but are extremely brave and skillful when required. Elves are unable or unwilling to carry large loads, but do require less nourishment than other races. They also rebound from mental exertions much more quickly than other races. Both Elves and Men are the Children of Iluvatar, and so have much in common, but there are also great differences between the two peoples.
Of these, the most significant is that Elves are 'immortal', at least while the World lasts; they do not suffer ageing1 or disease, and if they are slain or wither with grief, they are reincarnated in the Halls of Mandos in Valinor. Although, unlike Men, the Elves must remain in the world until its ending, they are not bound to Middle-earth.
They may if they wish take the straight road, and sail into the Uttermost West, a road that is barred to mortals. Elves also have far clearer sight and perception than Men; they are naturally aware of many things that are hidden from the Younger Children, but these gifts are not without limit.
The Elves never had any distinct 'religion' in the sense that Men would understand the word; indeed, the High Elves had travelled to Valinor and lived with the Valar (or 'gods') themselves for many ages before Men came into the world. Of all the Valar, they most revered Varda Elentari, the spouse of Manwe; and Lady of the Stars. In Middle-earth, they called her Elbereth, Star-Queen, and sang to her across the wide ocean Belegaer. Great respect was also given to Ulmo, especially during the First Age when he aided the Elves against Morgoth.
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