What Mythology are Dark Elves from?
Dark Elves are from Norse mythology, specifically originating from the world of Svartalfheim, one of the Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology, where they are ruled by Malekith the Accursed. They are also known as Dökkálfar or Dark Elves, and are often contrasted with the Ljósálfar, or Light Elves, who live in Álfheimr and are described as being “fairer than the sun to look at”.
Introduction to Dark Elves in Norse Mythology
Dark Elves have a rich and complex history in Norse mythology, with various interpretations and characteristics associated with them. To delve deeper into the world of Dark Elves, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about these mysterious beings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Elves
1. Where are Dark Elves from?
Dark Elves come from the world of Svartalfheim, one of the Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology.
2. Are Dark Elves dwarves in Norse mythology?
In the Prose Edda, Snorri calls elves “light elves” (ljósálfar) while explicitly using “dwarves” (dvergar), “black elves” (svartálfar), or “dark elves” (dökkálfar) for dwarves interchangeably.
3. Were elves evil in Norse mythology?
Norse mythology has light elves and dark elves; light elves are not evil, while dark elves can be evil and live underground.
4. What race is dark elf?
Dark Elves, also known as Dunmer, are part of the Ebonheart Pact faction in The Elder Scrolls Online.
5. What are Dark Elves in Norse mythology?
Svartálfar or dark elves are beings who dwell in Svartálfheim, primarily attested in the Prose Edda.
6. What are black elves called?
Svartálfar or black elves are a type of elf in Norse mythology, while Moriquendi and Drow are fictional races of elves in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium and Dungeons & Dragons.
7. What is the evilest elf?
Feanor had the worst legacy, while Eol attempted to kill his own son, and Maeglin actively betrayed his people and sided with Morgoth.
8. Are black elves good or bad?
Black elves are said to be evil, “as dark as faeries are bright”, and pictured in tales as poor fighters but strong magic-users.
9. Who is the terrible one in Norse mythology?
Yggdrasil apparently means “the horse of Yggr,” Yggr (Terrible One) being one of the names of the god Odin.
10. What are Scandinavian elves called?
Elves (in Swedish, Älva if female and Alv if male, Alv in Norwegian, and Elver in Danish) are in some parts mostly described as female, otherworldly, beautiful, and seductive residents of forests, meadows, and mires.
11. Who is the king of the Dark Elves?
Malekith the Accursed is the ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim and has come into conflict with Thor.
12. Are the Dark Elves in Thor?
The Dark Elves appear in Thor: The Dark World, with Malekith portrayed by Christopher Eccleston and Algrim/Kurse portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.
13. What God do Dark Elves worship?
The Dunmer worship the Daedra, including Mehrunes Dagon, Sheogorath, Molag Bal, and Malacath.
14. Who is the first dark elf?
Eöl, known as the Dark Elf, was the great smith who dwelled within Nan Elmoth and was akin to Thingol of the Teleri of the First Age.
15. Who came up with Dark Elves?
Gary Gygax came up with the concept of the dark elves and all their backstory and lore for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, inspired by the black elves in the Prose Edda.