Wood Elves
Linu'alfari in their tongue of Laeth Faeian. The Wood Elves are the Folk of Linuliel Oakenheart, the Great Matriarch of her Elven Kin during the First Aeon. The Wood Elves are them that did not partake of all three of Vytols Great Apple Trees. But rather, only partook of the Tree of Spirit, and the Tree of Will. Abstaining from the Tree of Lumindariel, which granted Immortality. Believing the temptation of a Life without End was but a test from Vytol, the Life-Mother. And chose instead to not live eternal. But rather, they would commit their physical being to the land, and to nature itself. Joining the Spirit of the Land from the Everdream. That realm born from when Alfan Dreamstrider first entered the great sleep. And brought into being all Elven kind.
Their beliefs offended their kin, the Sun Elves. Who believed that Immortality was the rightful gift of the Alfari. And that to deny it was sacrilege. While their other kin, the Night Elves, held no true reverence for the gifts of any of the Trees of Vytol. While the Wood Elves themselves believed that Vytol herself was more worthy of worship. And held the wilds and undeveloped places as sacred. In essence, Nature is the Temple of Faith. While also revering the Guardian Spirits as something like subordinate deities in liege to Vytol.
After the First Schism of the Elves, the great cultural disagreement between the different Folks of Elves, the Wood Elves left the greater population of Elves to inhabit the Woodlands and Wild Places of The Heartland. Founding many settlements and cities. But all communities of Linu'alfari shared a common custom. Female tradition.
Since Linuliel Oakenheart, it had been the custom of the Wood Elves to have a Queen or Matron rather than a King or Prince. The Wood Elves hold a great love for the women of their communities. The Eldest of whom have guided the long lives of many for millennia. Wood Elf Queens have often been the voice of reason and peace during the Aeons of Man. Animar The Honored himself even noted the profound wisdom of Wood Elf Queens and Matrons. These were the beginnings of the times of Coexistence between the Men of The Ellician Empire and the Wood Elves. Ages of truest peace and a sharing of knowledge and culture between peoples that had never been matched in ages since.
Though peace existed between the Races of Men and the Wood Elves. Times came when strife and conflict emerged between them. And these times would worsen after the Fall of The Ellician Empire. Mankind had become intolerant of all that was not human. Prejudices born in the minds of cruel and dissatisfied Men. Who spread lies to further their own desire for supremacy. And the Wood Elves again, had to fight for a place in this world. But these dark ages ended when King Vaeldemar Palimon, the wise and legendary King born into the world that had been left in the ashes of the Old Empire, had written and devised The Treaty of Equilibrium in the Fourth Aeon, 71 A.E. The Treaty that provided all the Elder Races with civil rights and paved the way for coexistence and tolerance between Men and Elves once more.
Today, Wood Elves can be found through out The Heartland as citizens and autonomous realms and communities. As can any community of the Elder Races in the Realms of Men. But they can no longer claim to be the masters of the continent as they once could. Enticing many to wander the world as travelers, or warriors for hire. As though to seek out the glories of old in an ever Human world.
Their beliefs offended their kin, the Sun Elves. Who believed that Immortality was the rightful gift of the Alfari. And that to deny it was sacrilege. While their other kin, the Night Elves, held no true reverence for the gifts of any of the Trees of Vytol. While the Wood Elves themselves believed that Vytol herself was more worthy of worship. And held the wilds and undeveloped places as sacred. In essence, Nature is the Temple of Faith. While also revering the Guardian Spirits as something like subordinate deities in liege to Vytol.
After the First Schism of the Elves, the great cultural disagreement between the different Folks of Elves, the Wood Elves left the greater population of Elves to inhabit the Woodlands and Wild Places of The Heartland. Founding many settlements and cities. But all communities of Linu'alfari shared a common custom. Female tradition.
Since Linuliel Oakenheart, it had been the custom of the Wood Elves to have a Queen or Matron rather than a King or Prince. The Wood Elves hold a great love for the women of their communities. The Eldest of whom have guided the long lives of many for millennia. Wood Elf Queens have often been the voice of reason and peace during the Aeons of Man. Animar The Honored himself even noted the profound wisdom of Wood Elf Queens and Matrons. These were the beginnings of the times of Coexistence between the Men of The Ellician Empire and the Wood Elves. Ages of truest peace and a sharing of knowledge and culture between peoples that had never been matched in ages since.
Though peace existed between the Races of Men and the Wood Elves. Times came when strife and conflict emerged between them. And these times would worsen after the Fall of The Ellician Empire. Mankind had become intolerant of all that was not human. Prejudices born in the minds of cruel and dissatisfied Men. Who spread lies to further their own desire for supremacy. And the Wood Elves again, had to fight for a place in this world. But these dark ages ended when King Vaeldemar Palimon, the wise and legendary King born into the world that had been left in the ashes of the Old Empire, had written and devised The Treaty of Equilibrium in the Fourth Aeon, 71 A.E. The Treaty that provided all the Elder Races with civil rights and paved the way for coexistence and tolerance between Men and Elves once more.
Today, Wood Elves can be found through out The Heartland as citizens and autonomous realms and communities. As can any community of the Elder Races in the Realms of Men. But they can no longer claim to be the masters of the continent as they once could. Enticing many to wander the world as travelers, or warriors for hire. As though to seek out the glories of old in an ever Human world.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Linuliel, Sceothnea, Gaeothinea, Gwynineala, Gwyraethrei
Masculine names
Gwyngeaothar, Fuangeolcae, Aerdraethac, Eavolaeull, Duathmataer
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
All Elves spoke Laeth Ceann in the First and Second Aeon. But after The Last Schism of the Elves, The conflict between the different Folks of Elves that would cement their separation as One People, the language became split into four. The Old Tongue remained constant. But the different Folks of Elves would form their own dialectical identities. With the Wood Elves forming their dialect of Laeth Faeian. What common Men would ignorantly call "Elvish."
Culture and cultural heritage
Wood Elf culture is Matrilineal focused and Matriarchal. Placing the Daughter before the Son in all things. It is a woman who rules as a Queen. And it is a woman who becomes one of the Wyld'alfari, or Wild Elves. Who are Wood Elf women that choose to become living avatars of nature. Their bodies and spirits change, and become one with the wilderness.
A Queen is preferably a hereditary title. With the living Queens taking great care with the upbringing and teaching of their daughters. But on occasion. It is permissible to appoint a Queen of a different lineage. In extremes, a King is appointed.
Wood Elves utilize songs and poems like prayers. Some of the most beautiful music in the world is Wood Elf prayers.
A Queen is preferably a hereditary title. With the living Queens taking great care with the upbringing and teaching of their daughters. But on occasion. It is permissible to appoint a Queen of a different lineage. In extremes, a King is appointed.
Wood Elves utilize songs and poems like prayers. Some of the most beautiful music in the world is Wood Elf prayers.
Common Dress code
Wood Elves do not place a high value on their attire. Preferring to simply wear what's comfortable, or functional. There are some who would rather go shirtless. Men as well as women. Which caused no small amount of social chaos when Wood Elves first came to live in the communities of Men.
Typical Linu'alfari clothes are made of wool, cotton, or flax. While they do not place high value to the appearance of their clothes. Their clothing style is no less interesting to outsiders. Many have regarded Wood Elf Sun dresses as elegant and almost ethereal.
The Priestesses of Vytol wear long drooping robes made of linen, and scavenged hawk feathers. These robes are kept regal, with no elegant embroidery or extravagant adornments. In keeping with Wood Elf tastes.
Any kind of jewelry is predominantly made of carved wood or bone strung on woven hemp. The appearance of metallic jewelry is quite rare. And almost always appear through being gifts from friends or lovers of different cultures.
Typical Linu'alfari clothes are made of wool, cotton, or flax. While they do not place high value to the appearance of their clothes. Their clothing style is no less interesting to outsiders. Many have regarded Wood Elf Sun dresses as elegant and almost ethereal.
The Priestesses of Vytol wear long drooping robes made of linen, and scavenged hawk feathers. These robes are kept regal, with no elegant embroidery or extravagant adornments. In keeping with Wood Elf tastes.
Any kind of jewelry is predominantly made of carved wood or bone strung on woven hemp. The appearance of metallic jewelry is quite rare. And almost always appear through being gifts from friends or lovers of different cultures.
Art & Architecture
Much of Linu'alfari art consists of interweaving line art. Encircling each other and branching out into new strands. But one motif of their artistic tradition is the Double Spiral symbol. In Wood Elf belief. The Anann De or Dual Soul is the very being of the Elves. One half in the Waking World. And the other in the Dreaming World. The Dreaming World being the afterlife of the Wood Elves beliefs. The double spiral is the symbol of the Anann De in its constant flow forward and back between the Waking World and the Dreaming World, and a reminder that a Wood Elf shall always await the day of the Last Sleep. When they will join the other half of their soul.
As for their architecture. Wood Elves construct elaborate houses along the bodies of large trees. Depending on the tree, there could be as many as six Wood Elf homes along its body. All constructed from willing trees. As Wood Elves honor and love the wilderness. And only take from it in deepest need and always with permission. Wood Elf homes are elaborate and elegant. With carved motifs and effigies of their Goddess. The Life-Mother, Vytol.
Wood Elf Priestesses hand carve statuettes and figurines of Vytol. Either as pocket trinkets, shrine pieces, or worn jewelry. Other Wood Elves will carve beads, knife handles or sword hilts from wood or bone. With elaborate line weave art. And the double spiral symbol.
As for their architecture. Wood Elves construct elaborate houses along the bodies of large trees. Depending on the tree, there could be as many as six Wood Elf homes along its body. All constructed from willing trees. As Wood Elves honor and love the wilderness. And only take from it in deepest need and always with permission. Wood Elf homes are elaborate and elegant. With carved motifs and effigies of their Goddess. The Life-Mother, Vytol.
Wood Elf Priestesses hand carve statuettes and figurines of Vytol. Either as pocket trinkets, shrine pieces, or worn jewelry. Other Wood Elves will carve beads, knife handles or sword hilts from wood or bone. With elaborate line weave art. And the double spiral symbol.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Wood Elf babies are delivered by the Priestesses and placed on a bed of piled leaves in a wooden box frame. The children are blessed with sage smoke and examined by the delivering Priestess. After a day of examination, the Priestess brings the child outside to present to the community. At which time, the Priestess will shout "Taugua nuavaereith eun Aeislia!" A new born come from the Dream. After which, the community will present gifts and blessings to the new member of the community.
Coming of Age Rites
When Wood Elves reach the equivalent human teen age. Which to human reckoning would actually be 24 common years. Wood Elf parents shave the sides of their child's head, then the remaining hair on top is braided and twisted into Dreadlocks. Which will grow as they grow, with required tending to maintain. The dreadlocks symbolize the Being of a Wood Elf. As the Wood Elf grows, the Dreadlocks grow. But as they grow, they must be tended to maintain. Just like the individual. The Wood Elf that wears them may adorn them with beads made of wood or bone.
When a Wood Elf reaches 100 years old. Which is the point they are considered a full adult. They receive a series of body tattoos in the line style of their artistic tradition. The tattoos begin with the tattooing of both hands and both feet. From the first digits of the fingers to the other sides of the palms the central symbols being single spirals. Then the weaves flow up the arms and onto the shoulders with the legs being done in a similar order. Then across the back and over the chest and belly. until the tattooing of a double spiral. One half over the back of the head, the other over the part of the back looming over the heart. The Double Spiral concludes the tattoo ritual.
When a Wood Elf reaches 100 years old. Which is the point they are considered a full adult. They receive a series of body tattoos in the line style of their artistic tradition. The tattoos begin with the tattooing of both hands and both feet. From the first digits of the fingers to the other sides of the palms the central symbols being single spirals. Then the weaves flow up the arms and onto the shoulders with the legs being done in a similar order. Then across the back and over the chest and belly. until the tattooing of a double spiral. One half over the back of the head, the other over the part of the back looming over the heart. The Double Spiral concludes the tattoo ritual.
Funerary and Memorial customs
The Wood Elves believe that death is not an end of life. But simply another step of it. They believe that what others call Death, is in truth, a kind of sleep. The Last Sleep. Where in a Wood Elf simply falls into sleep in their physical body, and their true self passes from the Waking World. Leaving all behind, and enters what the Wood Elves call, Siora Aeislia, the Eternal Dream. A realm Beyond what is and ever can be..
To honor this transition. A Wood Elf at the end of their life is laid to rest at the base of a tree. The space is sealed again with soil, pulled roots, flowers, and many other things. These spaces are protected and cared for. With the same reverence a priest would protect and care for a temple.
To honor this transition. A Wood Elf at the end of their life is laid to rest at the base of a tree. The space is sealed again with soil, pulled roots, flowers, and many other things. These spaces are protected and cared for. With the same reverence a priest would protect and care for a temple.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Wood Elves perceive beauty in the mind, the heart, the soul. In a persons character rather than their physical beauty. Making it entirely understandable to see Wood Elves with Human lovers of perhaps lesser beauty.
Scholars often use this personality trait to explain how mingling of the races began in the early days of the Third Aeon, when the Artean Men fled Old Artea for the promised shores of the Known World. As some have written that half born children had homely mothers or fathers.
Scholars often use this personality trait to explain how mingling of the races began in the early days of the Third Aeon, when the Artean Men fled Old Artea for the promised shores of the Known World. As some have written that half born children had homely mothers or fathers.
Gender Ideals
Wood Elves identify themselves as Male or Female. Though, like others among the Races of Men. There have been some to consider themselves a different gender than what they were born.
Wood Elf communities embrace these individuals all the same. Caring more for the character of the heart and the wisdom of the mind.
Wood Elf communities embrace these individuals all the same. Caring more for the character of the heart and the wisdom of the mind.
Courtship Ideals
Wood Elves do marry, but the time before this is not exclusive. Polyamory is a common practice among young Wood Elves. This period of their lives is known as Aguiarravamleur "The Time of Seeking Love." Where in a Wood Elf might have many love interests. As will their contemporary Wood Elves. If at any point, they begin to see in some more than others what they seek in a partner. Their courtships will lessen in number. This will continue until the Wood Elf has found their ideal mate. And that Mate consents. Polyamory is not a strict feature of Wood Elf courtship. But it is permitted.
The actual courtship is a period of getting to know each other. Which may include journeying around the land, meeting in particular places, and even engaging in sex. The norms of Men are subjective to the Wood Elves. And of each proving to the other their ability to express devotion once married.
The actual courtship is a period of getting to know each other. Which may include journeying around the land, meeting in particular places, and even engaging in sex. The norms of Men are subjective to the Wood Elves. And of each proving to the other their ability to express devotion once married.
Relationship Ideals
When two Wood Elves devote to each other. Weather by a final period of courtship, or by the actual marriage.
Wood Elves are to live as though they were one. Never venturing far from each other. Being honest always with each other. And always keeping true to the Allspirit of the Land.
Wood Elves are to live as though they were one. Never venturing far from each other. Being honest always with each other. And always keeping true to the Allspirit of the Land.
Major organizations
The Realm of Tyr'na Sylvanar is the over all national identity of the Wood Elves. Though it exists in autonomous partnership with The Kingdom of Esterval, it is independent and seeks to preserve the cultural and sovereign identity of the Linu'alfari.
Parent ethnicities
Diverged ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Items
Related Myths
Related Locations
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