Dark Elves: Difference between revisions
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==In Norse mythology== | ==In Norse mythology== | ||
The Snorra Edda distinguishes between three kinds of [[elves]]: '''ljósálfar''' 'light elves', '''dökkálfar''' 'dark elves' and '''svartálfar''' 'black elves'. It is not certain whether the last two are actually different classes; also, either may be identical to [[dwarves]]. It is likely, however (given that the Snorra Edda is a somewhat artificial scholarly systematization of Norse mythology) that this tripartition of elves is artificial and influenced by a similar Medieval Christian tripartition of spiritual beings into angels (good, in Heaven), fairies (neutral, on Earth) and demons (evil, in Hell). | |||
==In Tolkien's legendarium== | ==In Tolkien's legendarium== | ||
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==In modern fantasy fiction== | ==In modern fantasy fiction== | ||
In modern fantasy fiction, especially in [[role-playing game]]s, the term '''Dark Elves''' refers to the notion of a subrace of Elves who have fallen to evil. Such Dark Elves occur, among others, in [[Dungeons and Dragons|D&D]] and in the [[Warhammer]] world. | In modern fantasy fiction, especially in [[role-playing game]]s, the term '''Dark Elves''' refers to the notion of a subrace of Elves who have fallen to evil. Such Dark Elves occur, among others, in [[Dungeons and Dragons|D&D]] (see [[Drow language]]) and in the [[Warhammer]] world. In the film ''Thor: The Dark World'', the Dark Elves speak a language called [[Shiväisith]] (designed by [[User:Dedalvs|David J. Peterson]]). A similar concept are the '''Blood Elves''' of the [[Earthdawn]] RPG and the [[World of Warcraft]]. | ||
[[Category:Races]] | [[Category:Races]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:10, 14 March 2017
The term Dark Elves is used in different meanings in Norse nythology and fantasy fiction.
In Norse mythology
The Snorra Edda distinguishes between three kinds of elves: ljósálfar 'light elves', dökkálfar 'dark elves' and svartálfar 'black elves'. It is not certain whether the last two are actually different classes; also, either may be identical to dwarves. It is likely, however (given that the Snorra Edda is a somewhat artificial scholarly systematization of Norse mythology) that this tripartition of elves is artificial and influenced by a similar Medieval Christian tripartition of spiritual beings into angels (good, in Heaven), fairies (neutral, on Earth) and demons (evil, in Hell).
In Tolkien's legendarium
In the legendarium of J. R. R. Tolkien, the term Dark Elves (Quenya Moriquendi) is rarely used, and refers to those Elves who never went to Aman: the Avari, the Nandor and the Sindar. They are only "dark" in not having seen the light of Aman, not "dark" in the sense of evil.
In modern fantasy fiction
In modern fantasy fiction, especially in role-playing games, the term Dark Elves refers to the notion of a subrace of Elves who have fallen to evil. Such Dark Elves occur, among others, in D&D (see Drow language) and in the Warhammer world. In the film Thor: The Dark World, the Dark Elves speak a language called Shiväisith (designed by David J. Peterson). A similar concept are the Blood Elves of the Earthdawn RPG and the World of Warcraft.
