Elves

A Light and Dark Elf.

Elves are a race of humanoid beings native to Alfheim, one of the Nine Realms of the World Tree. The Elves are divided into two factions; the Light Elves and Dark Elves. The Light Elves are luminous beings that wear white robes, and the Dark Elves are winged beings with insectoid traits and are typically seen wearing martial clothes.

Quick Answers

What are the two factions of Elves in Alfheim?

In Alfheim, Elves are split into two factions: Light Elves and Dark Elves. Light Elves, luminous beings in white robes, and Dark Elves, winged beings with insectoid traits in martial clothes, have a long-standing conflict over the Light of Alfheim's control. Despite this, they formed a truce to assault Asgard during Ragnarok, their shared animosity for Asgardians surpassing their mutual dislike.

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What are the physical characteristics of Light Elves in God of War?

In God of War, Light Elves, also known as Ljósálfar, are luminous beings hailing from Alfheim. They possess perfect skin in hues of light gray, marble white, and pearly white, along with bright eyes in shades of pink, gray, and light blue. Notably, they have horns, which are typically shaven down and adorned with white veils. They first emerged in God of War (2018) and reappear as adversaries in God of War Ragnarök.

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How do Dark Elves differ from Light Elves in God of War?

In the God of War series, Dark Elves and Light Elves have distinct differences. Dark Elves, or Dökkálfar, are insectoid beings living in caves, aiming to shroud The Light of Alfheim, thus darkening their realm. Light Elves, on the other hand, are radiant entities donned in white robes, striving to maintain the use of The Light of Alfheim. The control over The Light has ignited a conflict between these elf factions.

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What kind of clothes do the Dark Elves typically wear?

Dark Elves, inhabitants of Alfheim, are characterized by their rustic attire, typically consisting of skirts and minimal armor. Elite Dark Elves distinguish themselves with golden shoulder plates and leg armor. They are recognized by their dark, wrinkled skin, sharp claws, pointed ears, and insect-like wings. Some exhibit skin tones of red and white. Their eyes, often gray or white, lack pupils. Uncovered horns are another distinctive feature. All Dark Elves are known to wield spears.

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What is the origin of Elves in Germanic mythology and folklore?

In Germanic mythology, Elves are supernatural beings with magical abilities and extraordinary beauty. The term 'Elf', prevalent in Germanic languages, likely meant 'white being' originally. These beings are linked with Norse Gods, illness, magic, allure, and seduction. They are typically divided into two categories: Dökkálfar (Dark Elves), who reside within the earth and are swarthy, and Ljósálfar (Light Elves), described as 'fairer than the sun'.

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Norse Mythology

Elves are a type of human-shaped supernatural beings in Germanic mythology and folklore. In medieval Germanic-speaking cultures, Elves seem generally to have been thought of as beings with magical powers and supernatural beauty, ambivalent towards everyday people and capable of either helping or hindering them. However, the details of these beliefs have varied considerably over time and space, and have flourished in both pre-Christian and Christian cultures.

The word Elf is found throughout the Germanic languages and it seems it was originally to have meant "white being". Reconstructing the early concept of an elf depends largely on texts, written by Christians, in Old and Middle English, medieval German, and Old Norse. These associate Elves variously with the Gods of Norse mythology, with causing illness, with magic, and with beauty and seduction.

The Elves are usually contrasted in two types: the Dökkálfar (Døkkálfar "Dark Elves", singular Døkkálfr) and the Ljósálfar ("Light Elves", singular Ljósálfr); the former dwell within the earth and are most swarthy, while the latter is "fairer than the sun to look at". This light and dark duality may have originated from Christian influence, importing the concept of good and evil, representing angels of light and darkness. A kenning for the sun in Norse poetry is Álfröðull, "elven wheel".

In God of War Series

God of War (2018)

It's unknown which race of Elves came first, and it's such lack of knowledge what sparked the conflict between the Light Elves and their dark counterparts for the dominion of the Light of Alfheim.

While they are intelligent and civilized beings that possess their own architecture, spoken and written languages, the Light Elves and Dark Elves have been at war for eons, always fighting over control of the Light of Alfheim, a conflict that has lasted so long that neither side has secured a permanent victory. Because of such eternal war, the Elves are an isolated race, rarely interacting outside of their home realm.

By the time Kratos and Atreus arrived at Alfheim, the Dark Elves were in the winning side of the war, but after the traveling Gods defeated them to take a portion of The Light, the Light Elves once again became the rulers of The Light, and they search for their missing Lord.

God of War Ragnarök

Týr reveals that a long time ago the elves were not divided between light and darkness but that they were all equal, however after a group of them discovered the light of the well of souls and having remained exposed to its magical waters for a long time, they changed into the elves they are today, which are the Light Elves. The Light Elves wish to keep using the Light of Alfheim, while the Dark Elves wish for the Light to be left alone, leading to their conflict over its control.

After Freyr's return, both light and dark elves made a truce to attack Asgard during Ragnarök, admitting that their hatred for the Asgardians is greater than their hatred for each other.

Powers and Abilities

Elves have several magical abilities, one of the main ones is the ability to fly either by means of wings or telekinetically. They are excellent in hand-to-hand combat and are very accomplished builders.

Gallery

Dark Elf and Dark Elf Warrior (Codex)

Dark Elf Lord (Codex)

Svartáljǫfurr (Codex)

Dark Elf Summoner (Codex)

The Light Elves (Codex)

Trivia

• During the E3 trailer, two Elves could be seen.
  • After the fight against the Draugr, a prototype Light Elf who was wearing slightly darker coloured robes could be seen in the background. When Kratos came close to him, he flew off.
  • After killing the Troll, a prototype Dark Elf who had less armour and looked far more insect-like could be seen flying off in the background.
• Taking into account the completely different lifestyle as well as the values that seem to be cultivated by their societies, the Light and Dark Elves could be compared, respectively, with the Athenians and the Spartans. Dark Elves seem to be a warrior people (like the Spartans) who give importance to battles while the Light Elves are a people that give more importance to the search for knowledge (like the Athenians).
• While the portrayal of Light Elves and Dark Elves are most of the common depiction are humans notably their ears are pointed, this version of elves are commonly describe as their appearance based on Norse/Germanic Mythology. The Light Elves are luminous being and their ears are horn-like crown. While the Dark Elves are insectoid-like human with luminescence and their ears usually unique horns (not based on the myth) their traits is likely based on bees or moths due to them building their hive in the Light of Alfheim and raid/war between the Light Elves.
  • Aside from their unique appearance in God of War series, all the Elves' ears are concealed with their horns on both side as seen one of model.