View source for Elf

{{Creature
|name         = 
|image        = [[Image:Elf01.jpg]]
|caption      = Male and female high elves, as depicted in the ''Player's Handbook'' v3.5 (2003). Art by Sam Wood.
|size         = 
|alignment    = Chaotic Good
|source=''Player's Handbook'' (all editions), ''Monster Manual'' (all editions), ''[[Monster Mythology]]'', ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]'', ''Complete Book of Elves''
|type         = Humanoid
|subtype      = Elf
|patron deity = [[Corellon Larethian]]
|first        = 
}}'''Elves''', also known as ''olves'' or ''olvenfolk'' in the [[Flan]] tongue, are one of the primary civilized races of the [[Flanaess]]. Elves speak [[Elven language|Elven]].

==Ecology==
{{quoted text|The elves of [[Oerth]] resemble the standard elves in nearly every respect. They are very much the stereotypical elf, concerned with those things most elven.|{{csb|PHBR8|26}} }}

{{quoted text|Because the Greyhawk setting was the first world designed for the [''Dungeons & Dragons''] game, the demihumans described in the [core] rules may be considered to have been designed with the demihumans of the world of Greyhawk in mind. |{{csb|PG|42}} }}
Elves are renowned for their grace and mastery of magic and weapons such as the sword and the bow. Becoming physically mature by the age of 25 and emotionally mature at around 125 (''Races of the Wild'', 2005), they are also famously long-lived, capable of living more than half a millennium and remaining physically youthful. They rarely die due to the wear of age. Possessed of innate beauty and easy gracefulness, they are viewed as both wondrous and haughty by other races; however, their natural detachment is seen by some as introversion or xenophobia.

There are several different subraces of elves, including aquatic elves, dark elves ([[drow]]), grey elves, high elves, snow elves, valley elves, wild elves ([[grugach]]), wood elves, and winged elves ([[avariel]]). The offspring of humans and elves are known as "half-elves" among humans, and as "half-humans" among elves.

===Environment===
Elves are most often associated with temperate forests, though this applies chiefly to high elves and wood elves. Aquatic elves are only found in temperate aquatic regions, and gray elves often prefer temperate mountains. Snow elves, drow, and grugach are found almost exclusively in cold mountains, the [[Underdark]], and deep forests, respectively. Valley elves are rarely seen outside the [[Valley of the Mage]].

In the [[Flanaess]], large numbers of elves can be found in [[Celene (realm)|Celene]], [[Highvale]], the [[Lendore Isles]], [[Sunndi]], the [[Duchy of Ulek]], the Valley of the Mage, the [[Vesve Forest]], and the [[Vault of the Drow]]. [[Verbobonc]] was originally an elven settlement, though they have mostly left that region to the humans and gnomes. The [[City of Summer Stars]] is a lost and ruined elven community of fable and legend in the depths of the [[Adri Forest]], now under a dreadful curse.

==== Spelljammer ====
The elves are the largest political and military presence in space; at the time of the original ''[[Spelljammer|Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space]]'' boxed set, the Elven Imperial Navy had just completed a remarkably successful extermination of interstellar orcs and goblins throughout the known universe.<ref name="Dragon #154">{{cite journal| last = Rolston| first = Ken| author-link = Ken Rolston| title = Role-playing Reviews| journal = [[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]| issue = #154| pages = 59–63| publisher = [[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]| location = [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]]|date=February 1990}}</ref> 

===Typical physical characteristics===
Slightly shorter than the average human, elves are also noticeably more slender and graceful (this is reflected in a bonus to dexterity and a constitution penalty), averaging between 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet and 95 to 135 pounds. Males are slightly more muscular on average, there is little difference in height between the sexes, and facial hair is unheard of. Their features in general may be described as more angular and defined; including long, pointed ears and wide, almond-shaped eyes. Most elves have fair skin and dark hair, though this is no more true of all elves than it is of humans. They have a reputation for careful grooming, more so than perhaps any other race. This frequently extends to their clothing, which is luxurious and well-kept, though not to the point of impracticality.

Elves do not sleep as most other creatures do, instead falling into a four-hour restful trance. Consequently, elves are unaffected by sleep-inducing spells and effects, and are able to remain active far longer than other races.

Elves also do not age as other creatures; their physical appearances remain constant from achieving physical maturity to death. Elves do grow physically weaker and mentally stronger as they grow older, and accumulate a "glow" from the strength of their souls as they age (''Races of the Wild'', 2005).

===Alignment===
Most elves are usually chaotic good, though grugach tend to be neutral, Valley elves chaotic neutral, and drow neutral evil.

==Society==

===Religion===
Most elves, other than drow and Valley elves, follow the [[Seldarine]], the elven pantheon, consisting of the following deities:
[[Image:Seldarine01.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Members of the [[Seldarine]], as depicted in ''Faiths and Pantheons'' (2002). From left to right, [http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Angharradh Angharradh] (a ''Forgotten Realms'' goddess), [[Aerdrie Faenya]], [[Corellon Larethian]], [[Fenmarel Mestarine]], [[Deep Sashelas]], and [[Erevan Ilesere]].]]
[[Image:Seldarine02.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Members of the [[Seldarine]], as depicted in ''Faiths and Pantheons'' (2002). From left to right, [[Hanali Celanil]], [[Labelas Enoreth]], [[Rillifane Rallathil]], [[Sehanine Moonbow]], [http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Shevarash Shevarash] (a ''Forgotten Realms,, deity), and [[Solonor Thelandira]].]]
*[[Aerdrie Faenya]], goddess of Air, Weather, Birds, and Avariel.
*[[Alathrien Druanna]], the Rune Mistress.
*[[Alobal Lorfiril]], god of Hedonism, Mirth, Magic, and Revelry.
*[[Araleth Letheranil]], god of Light.
*[[Corellon Larethian]], god of Elves, Magic, Music, Arts, Crafts, Poetry, and Warfare.
*[[Darahl Firecloak]], god of Earth and Flame
*[[Deep Sashelas]], god of Water, Knowledge, Beauty, Magic, and Aquatic Elves.
*[[Elebrin Liothiel]], god of Nature, Gardens, Orchards, and the Harvest.
*[[Erevan Ilesere]], god of Mischief, Change, and Rogues.
*[[Fenmarel Mestarine]], god of Exiles, Scapegoats, and [[Grugach]].
*[[Gadhelyn]], hero-god of Independence, Outlawry, Feasting, and Hunting.
*[[Hanali Celanil]], goddess of Romantic Love and Beauty.
*[[Kirith Sotheril]], goddess of Divinations and Enchantments.
*[[Labelas Enoreth]], god of Time and Longevity.
*[[Melira Taralen]], goddess of Bards and Minstrels.
*[[Naralis Analor]], god of Healing, Easing of Pain, and Death. (also seen as "Naris Analor")
*[[Rellavar Danuvien]], god of Frost Sprites and Protection from Cold.
*[[Rillifane Rallathil]], god of Nature, Woodlands, and Wood Elves.
*[[Sarula Iliene]], goddess of Lakes, Streams, Nixies, and Water Magic.
*[[Sehanine Moonbow]], goddess of the Moon, Mysticism, Dreams, Far Journeys, Death, and Transcendence.
*[[Solonor Thelandira]], god of Hunting, Archery, and Survival.
*[[Tarsellis Meunniduin]], god of Winter, Mountains, and Snow Elves.
*[[Tethrin Veraldé]], god of Bladesingers.
*[[Vandria Gilmadrith]], goddess of War, Guardianship, Justice, Grief, Vigilance, and Decision.
*[[Ye'Cind]], god of Music and Magical Songs.
Additionally, [[Mythrien Sarath]] (god of Protection, Abjuration, and Mythals) is described in the same source as some others,{{cite dragon|251|30-31|Magic of the Seldarine}} however, his description is laregly  emblematic of the ''Forgotten Realms'' rather than Greyhawk.  He is the sponsor and patron of "mythals" and there are locations specific to his history (Myth Drannor, Evermeet) from the Realms. He is described as an ally of Mystra; and foe of Malar, Mask, and Talos—all singlarly characteristic to the ''Forgotten Realms'' setting.


While Corellon Larethian leads the Seldarine, most subraces also have a patron deity whom they hold in nearly equal regard. Deep Shahelas (and his wife, the dolphin goddess [[Trishina]]) for the aquatic elves, Fenmarel Mestarine for the grugach, Rillifane Rallathil for the wood elves, Tarsellis Meunniduin for the snow elves, and Aerdrie Faenya for the avariel.

The only deity known to be honored by the Valley elves is [[Ehlonna]], who is also frequently worshipped by other elven peoples. Dark elves most often worship [[Lolth]], the Demon Queen of Spiders, or one of her brood, the [[Seldarine#Dark Seldarine|Dark Seldarine]].

==Elf subspecies==
Elves are of various sorts, including a marine race, all of which are detailed here.

*'''[[Aquatic elf|Aquatic elves]]''', or '''sea elves'''—Aquatic elves live beneath the waves and can breathe water as easily as their cousins on land breathe air. They have silverish-greenish skin and hair of green or blue-green. They are mortal enemies of sharks and sahuagin. They are friends to dolphins and surface elves, and neutral to all others, save for fishermen, who they dislike. Their chief god is [[Deep Sashelas]].

* '''[[Astral elf|Astral elves]]'''—spelljamming natives of the [[Astral Plane|Silver Sea]].{{csb|Spelljammer: Adventures in Space—Astral Adventurer’s Guide (2022) |10}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melzer |first=Jennifer |date=2022-05-05 |title=Dungeons & Dragons: What to Know About Spelljammer's New Races |url=https://www.cbr.com/spelljammer-new-races-dnd-5e/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>  In early editions, elves in space were no different than groundling elves, and the [[phlogiston]] was the medium of travel between "crystal spheres".  In fifth edition, the [[Astral Plane|Astral]] is instead the space between "systems" (which are also spherical, but have hazy, permeable barriers), and astral elves reside in the great Astral seas. 

*'''[[Avariel]]''', or sky elves. Also known as the "winged folk," these winged elves are very rare, but are believed to dwell in the [[Lortmil Mountains]] (LGG.143). 

*'''[[Drow]]''', or '''dark elves'''—These ebon-skinned elves are only legend to most in the [[Flanaess]]. They are as dark as grey elves are bright and and as evil as the latter are good. Once surface elves themselves, they were transformed into drow and banished to the Underdark when they fell to the worship of demons and gods of elemental evil. Of all the elves they are the only ones whose culture is inherently malevolent, and they hate their cousins with an undying passion. They are smaller than their cousins, both shorter and thinner. In addition, their skin resembles polished obsidian, and their hair is snow-white or silver.

*'''[[Grey elf|Grey elves]]'''—These elves are the most noble of elves, yet also the most arrogant. They are of higher intellectual capabilities than other elves, but, despite the fact they are taller than high elves, they are physically weaker. They live in isolated mountain strongholds, and rarely allow access to outsiders. They have silver hair and amber eyes, or gold hair and violet eyes, and wear clothes of white, silver, yellow and gold, and usually wear regally colored cloaks. Those with gold hair are generally called '''faeries'''. They worship the standard elven pantheon.

*'''[[Grugach]]'''—The most reclusive and shortest of all the elves, the '''wild elves''' pride themselves on their isolation and skill at keeping hidden.  Their skin tends to be brown and they have similar colored hair which lightens with age.

*'''[[High elf|High elves]]'''—High elves are the elves most commonly encountered by other races, and the most open and friendly of their kind. They travel to other lands more than other elves. They're generally dark-haired and green-eyed, with very pale complexions the color of new cream. They simply do not tan, no matter how much time they spend under Oerth's sun. High elves prefer to wear light pastels, blues and greens and violets, and often dwell in homes built into living wood, high in the trees.

*'''[[Snow elf|Snow elves]]'''—Pale but hardy and tallest of the elves (taller than humans) that live in the [[Crystalmist Mountains]]. They worship [[Tarsellis Meunniduin]], the patron god of Snow Elves, Lord of Mountains and Wilderness. They are reclusive and usually led by tribal priests known as "Peakwardens."

*'''[[Valley elf|Valley elves]]'''—Closely related to gray elves, Valley elves are the Second to tallest of their kind, as tall as humans. They dwell only within the [[Valley of the Mage]], though agents are occasionally sent outwards on missions for the master of the Vale. Because of their height, they can often pass as and infiltrate the societies of humans. Other elves despise Valley elves, believing they've sold out their dignity and independence for the fleeting protection of a human wizard—even worse that his lieutenant is a drow. They call the Valley elves by a disparaging name in their own language that connotates to "automaton" or "slave."

*'''[[Wood elf|Wood elves]]''' or '''[[Sylvan elf|sylvan elves]]'''—Wood elves are a reclusive subrace. They place more emphasis on strength than learning. Wood elves are considered by other elven subraces (particularly the austere gray elves) to be boisterous and hedonistic. They have a zest for life and pleasure. They are more neutral than most elves, except the valley elves and grugach. Their complexions are fair, their hair is yellow to coppery red, and their eyes are light brown, light green, or hazel. They wear russets, reds, browns, and tans. Their cloaks are usually green or reddish brown.

*'''Half-elves'''—Not really a subspecies ''per se'', but rather refers to people of mixed elven and human ancestry, blending the features of human and elf, half-elves look like elves to humans and like humans to elves. They do well with elves, [[human]]s, [[gnome]]s, [[dwarves]], and [[halfling]]s. In the case of conflicts between elves and humans, however, each side often suspects a half-elf mediator of favoring the other.  From third edition forward, for all game purposes, a "half-elf" is considered an elf.{{csb|PH3e|18|note="Elven Blood: For all effects related to race, a half-elf is considered an elf."}}{{csb|PH4e|42|note="Dual Heritage: [A half-elf] can take feats that have elf as a prerequisite."}}

==History==
Elves inhabited the [[Flanaess]] for many centuries before the [[Great Migrations]] introduced  hordes of humans, orcs, and goblins who pushed them from the grasslands and prairies deep into the ancient forests that were their first home and most secure retreat.

Elves mark the time using the [[Olven Calendar]].

==Elven craftmanship and technology==
Elves are strongly associated with the following items (magic items are listed in ''italics''). Drow items are listed in the [[drow]] article:

===Armor===
*''Bearskin armor'' ''(RotW)''
*Elven chainmail
*Elven darkleaf armor ''(A&EG3E)''
*Elven leafweave armor ''(A&EG3E)''
*Elven plate armor ''(PHBR8)''
*Forestwarden shroud ''(RotW)''
*''Hawkfeather armor'' ''(RotW)''
*Thistledown armor ''(RotW)''
*Thistledown suit ''(RotW)''
*''Tigerskin armor'' ''(RotW)''
*Wildwood armor ''(RotW)''
*''Woodwalk'' armor

===Clothing and textiles===
*''Boots of elvenkind''
*''Cloak of elvenkind''
*Honey leather ''(PHBR8, RotW)''
*Sashling ''(PHBR8, RotW)''
*Thistledown ''(PHBR8)''

===Food and drink===
*Elven Aleeian wine ''(A&EG3E)''
*Elven mead ''(A&EG3E)''
*Elven moondrop ''(A&EG3E)''
*Feywine ''(PHBR8)''

===Musical instruments===
*Elven harp ''(PHBR8, RotW)''

===Tools and miscellaneous gear===
*Elven rope ''(A&EG3E)''
*Elven tree tent ''(A&EG3E)''

===Weapons===
*Arrow, blunt ''(RotW)''
*Arrow, dragonsbreath ''(RotW)''
*''Arrow, elven leaf'' ''(A&EG3E)''
*Arrow, flare ''(PHBR8)''
*Arrow, message ''(PHBR8)''
*Arrow, serpentstongue ''(RotW)''
*Arrow, swiftwing ''(RotW)''
*''Bow of songs'' ''(A&EG3E)''
*Close fighting blade ''(RotW)''
*Elven(craft) bow ''(PHBR8, RotW)''
*Elven courtblade ''(RotW)''
*Elven double bow ''(A&EG3E)''
*Elven lightblade ''(RotW)''
*Elven thinblade ''(RotW)''
*''Hideaway'' weapons ''(RotW)''
*''Larethian protector'' ''(A&EG3E)''
*''Swordbow'' ''(RotW)''

===Artifacts and relics===

==Publication history==
=== Greyhawk-specific elves ===
The [[grugach]] and [[valley elf]] first appeared in ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' magazine #67 (November 1982) in the series "Featured Creatures", an ongoing series of articles where [[Gary Gygax]] released information on official creatures before their release in the following''Monster Manual II'' (1983).

=== Core elves ===
==== Original ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ====
The elf first appeared as a PC race in the original 1974 edition of ''Dungeons & Dragons''.<ref>[[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]], and [[Dave Arneson]]. ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (3-Volume Set) (TSR, 1974)</ref><ref name="tresca2010">{{citation |last1=Tresca |first1=Michael J. |title=The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8H8bzqj6S4sC&pg=PA62 |pages=32–34, 62 |year=2010 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0786458950}}</ref> The aquatic elf was introduced in the 1975 ''[[Blackmoor (supplement)|Blackmoor]]'' supplement.<ref>[[Dave Arneson|Arneson, Dave]]. ''[[Blackmoor (supplement)|Blackmoor]]'' (TSR, 1975)</ref> Elves in ''Dungeons & Dragons'' are immune to paralysis as a holdover from a game balance adjustment in ''[[Chainmail (game)|Chainmail]]''.<ref name="wotc4ex-20071009a">{{cite book |author-link=David Noonan |last=Noonan |first=David |year=2007 |chapter=Interlude: Birth of a Rule |title=Rules Compendium |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] |isbn=978-0-7869-4725-6 |page=13 |quote=Ever wonder why elves are immune to paralysis? As far as we can figure out, that immunity came from a game-balance issue in the original ''Chainmail'' rules, which mostly covered medieval warfare (with a fantasy supplement that spawned the game we all play today). Masses of low-cost undead troops were beating up high-cost elf troops, so the 'elves are immune to paralysis' emerged as a balancing factor.}}</ref> Players with elf characters could choose either the "fighting-man" or "magic-user" class to start with; multiclassing was allowed, however, elf characters could only take a max of four levels in fighter and eight levels in magic-user.<ref name="tresca2010" />{{rp|34}} Tresca described the Tolkien style of elf as "a burden for game designers" as they were seemingly "more capable than humans".<ref name="tresca2010" />{{rp|34}} Tresca commented that "Gygax worked hard to curb their power, by giving the race a weak constitution and putting limitations on how high they could level. These limitations would not be removed until the third edition of ''Dungeons & Dragons''".<ref name="tresca2010" />{{rp|34}}

==== Basic ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ====
The elf appeared as a character race in the ''Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set'' (1977).  In subsequent revisions, in order to streamline the game, the non-humans (including the elf) were presented as distinct classes. The elf class is often seen as a blend of the fighter and magic-user classes.

==== First edition ====
The elf appeared as a PC race in the original ''Player's Handbook'' (1978).<ref name="HW">{{cite book|last=Schick |first=Lawrence|author-link=Lawrence Schick|title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games|publisher=Prometheus Books |year=1991|isbn=0-87975-653-5 |pages=84–85}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite book  | last =Gygax  | first =Gary  | author-link =Gary Gygax  | title =Players Handbook  | publisher =TSR  | year =1978  | isbn = 0-935696-01-6 }}</ref> The elf also appeared in the original ''Monster Manual'' (1977), with subraces including High Elf, Gray Elf (some of whom are also called Faerie), Dark Elf (also called Drow), Wood Elf (also called Sylvan), and Aquatic Elf.<ref>[[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual'' (TSR, 1977)</ref> The [[grugach]], [[valley elf]], and [[cooshee]] (an elven dog) first appeared in ''Dragon'' issue #67 (November 1982) in "Featured Creatures", an ongoing series of articles where [[Gary Gygax]] released information on official creatures before their release. The grugach, valley elf, and cooshee then appeared in the original ''Monster Manual II'' (1983).<ref>[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual II'' (TSR, 1983)</ref> Five elven subraces (gray, wood, wild, valley, and drow) were presented as character races in the original ''Unearthed Arcana'' (1985).<ref>''Unearthed Arcana'', by [[Gary Gygax]], published 1985, {{ISBN|978-0-88038-084-3}}</ref>

The '''Shadow elf''' appears as a character race in GAZ13 ''The Shadow Elves'' published by TSR in 1990 as a 64-page booklet and a 32-page booklet.

==== Second edition ====
The '''high elf''' appeared as a character race in the second edition ''Player's Handbook'' (1989).<ref>{{cite book  | first = David  | last = Cook  | author-link = David Cook | year = 1989  | title = Player's Handbook  | publisher = [[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]  | isbn = 0-88038-716-5  }}</ref> The high elf also appeared in the ''Monstrous Compendium Volume One'' (1989).<ref>[[David "Zeb" Cook|Cook, David]], et al. ''Monstrous Compendium Volume One'' ([[TSR, Inc.|TSR]], 1989)</ref> Several elven races were detailed as player character races in ''The Complete Book of Elves'' (1992).<ref>[[Colin McComb|McComb, Colin D.]] ''The Complete Book of Elves'' (TSR, 1992)</ref> Supplements focused on elves in specific campaign settings include ''Comanthor: Empire of the Elves'', ''Elves of Evermeet'' and ''Elves of Athas''.

==== Third edition ====
The elf appeared as a character race in the third edition ''Player's Handbook'' (2000),<ref>{{cite book  | last1 =Tweet  | first1 =Jonathan  | author-link1 =Jonathan Tweet  |first2=Monte|last2=Cook|author-link2=Monte Cook |first3=Skip|last3=Williams|author-link3=Skip Williams   | title =Player's Handbook  | publisher =Wizards of the Coast  | year =2000  | isbn = 0-7869-1550-1 }}</ref> and in the 3.5 revised ''Player's Handbook''.<ref>{{cite book  | last1 =Tweet  | first1 =Jonathan  | author-link1 =Jonathan Tweet  |first2=Monte|last2=Cook|author-link2=Monte Cook |first3=Skip|last3=Williams|author-link3=Skip Williams   | others = revised by [[Andy Collins|Andy Collins]]  | title =Player's Handbook v.3.5  | publisher =Wizards of the Coast  | orig-year = 2000  | year =2003  | isbn = 0-7869-2886-7 }}</ref> Elves were detailed for the Forgotten Realms setting in ''Races of Faerûn'' (2003).<ref>[[Eric L. Boyd|Boyd, Eric L.]]; [[Matt Forbeck]]; and [[James Jacobs|James Jacobs]]. ''Races of Faerûn''. Wizards of the Coast, 2003</ref> Elves were one of the races detailed in ''Races of the Wild'' (2005).<ref name="RoTW">[[Skip Williams|Williams, Skip]]. ''[[Races of the Wild]]''. [[Wizards of the Coast]], 2005. {{ISBN|0-7869-3438-7}}</ref>

==== Fourth edition ====
The elf appeared as a character race and as one of three in a family of elven races — the sylvans, the drows, and the eladrins — in the fourth edition ''Player's Handbook'' (2008). This version of the elf returns in the ''Essentials'' rulebook ''Heroes of the Fallen Lands'' (2010). The elf appears in the fourth edition ''Monster Manual'' (2008).<ref>[[Mike Mearls|Mearls, Mike]], [[Stephen Schubert]], and [[James Wyatt|James Wyatt]]. ''Monster Manual'' ([[Wizards of the Coast]], 2008)</ref>

Tresca explained that this edition allowed elves and humans to be equal in height and "deemphasized their low constitution, a balancing attribute created for earlier editions".<ref name="tresca2010" />{{rp|34}} Tresca opined that the introduction of eladrin "restored elves in ''Dungeons & Dragons'' to the mysterious, sometimes dangerous, and altogether powerful status they enjoyed in Middle-earth".<ref name="tresca2010" />{{rp|34}}

==== Fifth edition ====
The elf was included as a player race in the fifth edition ''Player's Handbook'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite book| last1=Mearls|first1=Mike|author-link1=Mike Mearls|last2=Crawford|first2=Jeremey|author-link2=Jeremy Crawford| title=Player's Handbook | publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] | year=2014}}</ref> Three subraces were introduced with it: the high elf, the wood elf, and the [[drow]] (dark elf).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Kristen |date=2021-11-14 |title=Everything Dungeons & Dragons Players Should Know About Building an Elf |url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-5e-elf-race-subrace-guide/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=Comic Book Resources |language=en}}</ref> The ''Player's Handbook'' connects the high elves to the gray elves and valley elves of the Greyhawk setting, the Silvanesti and Qualinesti of the Dragonlance setting, and the sun elves and moon elves of the Forgotten Realms setting. They also connect the wood elves to the wild elves ([[grugach]]) of Greyhawk and the Kagonesti of Dragonlance.

The fifth edition ''Dungeon Master's Guide'' (2014) also presented the [[eladrin]] (which appeared in fourth edition as a separate but related race) as an elf subrace, using them as an example for creating a new character subrace.<ref>{{Cite book| last1=Mearls|first1=Mike|last2=Crawford|first2=Jeremey | title=[[Dungeon Master's Guide]] | publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] | year=2014}}</ref> The eladrin later appeared as ''[[Unearthed Arcana (sourcebook)#Fifth edition|Unearthed Arcana]]'' playtest content in "Race Options: Eladrin and Gith" (2017). The eladrin later appeared as playtest content in "''Unearthed Arcana: Eladrin and Gith''" (2017);<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zambrano |first=J. R. |date=2017-09-13 |title=D&D: Unearthed Arcana - Eladrin and Gith |url=https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2017/09/dd-unearthed-arcana-eladrin-gith.html |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Bell of Lost Souls |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Race Options: Eladrin and Gith |url=https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/race-options-eladrin-and-gith |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917105514/http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/race-options-eladrin-and-gith |archive-date=September 17, 2017 |access-date=2019-07-01 |website=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> this version was revised and published the following year in ''[[Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sowa |first=Alex |date=2020-12-25 |title=D&D: Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes Playable Races, Explained |url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-mordenkainens-tome-of-foes-races/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Linward |first=Timothy |date=2022-01-05 |title=DnD Elf 5E species guide |url=https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/elf |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=[[Wargamer (website)|Wargamer]] |language=en-US}}</ref>  [[Avariel]], [[grugach]], [[aquatic elf|sea elves]], and shadar-kai were presented as playtest options in "Elf Subraces" (2017).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zambrano |first=J. R. |date=2017-11-14 |title=D&D: Unearthed Arcana - Elf Subraces |url=https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2017/11/dd-unearthed-arcana-elf-subraces.html |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Bell of Lost Souls |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elf Subraces |url=https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/elf-subraces |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114212145/http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/elf-subraces |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=2019-07-01 |website=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> Eladrin, [[shadar-kai]], and sea elves were then featured as playable subraces for elves in the supplement ''[[Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes]]'' (2018). Those three subraces were then revised in ''[[Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse]]'' (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=2022-01-25 |title=D&D Monsters of the Multiverse- All Playable Race Differences |url=https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-multiverse-monsters-playable-race-differences-dnd/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DiSalvo |first=Paul |date=2022-02-14 |title=Dungeons & Dragons: Every Race Buff You Need To Know About In Monsters Of The Multiverse |url=https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-monsters-multiverse-race-buffs/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

== External links ==
{{External link disclaimer}}
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf_%28Dungeons_%26_Dragons%29 Elf article at Wikipedia].

== References ==
=== Notes ===
<references group="note" />
=== Citations ===
<references />
=== Bibliography ===
*Cagle, Eric, [[Jesse Decker]], Jeff Quick, and [[James Wyatt]]. ''Arms and Equipment Guide''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003.
*Conforti, Steven, ed. ''Living Greyhawk Official Listing of Deities for Use in the Campaign,'' version 2.0. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2005. Available online:[http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LG_Deities.zip]
*[[David "Zeb" Cook|Cook, David]], ''et al''. ''Monstrous Compendium Volume One''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''The World of Greyhawk''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980.
:———. ''[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
:———. ''[[Unearthed Arcana (source)|Unearthed Arcana]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
*McComb, Colin. ''The Complete Book of Elves''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992. 
:———. ''[[On Hallowed Ground]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996.
*[[Roger E. Moore|Moore, Roger E.]], and Georgia Moore. "The Gods of the Elves." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #60. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1982.
:———. ''[[The Adventure Begins]]''. Renton, WA: TSR, 1998.
*Perry, Chris. "The Seldarine Revisited." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #236. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996.
*-----." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #251. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*Reimer, David S. "In the Frost and the Snow." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #155. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990. Available online:[http://www.mvn.net/jimnellen/greyhawk/Frost/snowelves.htm]
* [[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[Ivid the Undying]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995. Published online. [https://greyhawkonline.com/download/16370/?tmstv=1727302323 PDF by William Allman with maps].  Original RTF archived:[http://web.archive.org/web/20081218001449/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads Wizards.com]. WGR7 or WGRx
:———. ''[[Monster Mythology]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
:———. ''Night Below: An Underdark Campaign''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995.
*[[Jonathan Tweet|Tweet, Jonathan]], [[Monte Cook]], and [[Skip Williams]]. ''Player's Handbook Core Rulebook I v.3.5''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003.
*Voskuil, Denise Lyn. "The Elfin Gods." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #155. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*[[Williams, Skip]]. ''Races of the Wild''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2005.
*[[Skip Williams|Williams, Skip]], [[Jonathan Tweet]], and [[Monte Cook]]. ''Monster Manual''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
{{index|title=Elf %' AND Type NOT LIKE '%Spell}}


[[Category:Creatures]]
[[Category:Humanoids]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Elves]]