Why Are Drow Elves Black? Unveiling the Mystery of the Dark Elves
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of why drow elves possess their distinctive ebony skin is a complex one, rooted in the lore of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe, specifically the Forgotten Realms setting. In short, the drow’s black skin is the result of a magical transformation and adaptation to their subterranean environment, rather than a simple matter of genetics or natural evolution. They were originally surface dwelling elves with brown skin, until a series of events led to their current appearance. This transformation is tied to the drow’s history, their banishment underground, and their subsequent devotion to the spider goddess, Lolth. This article will delve into these factors and explore the origins of their dark complexion.
The Fall from Grace: The Genesis of the Drow
The story begins with the dark elves, the ancestors of the drow, who were indeed surface-dwelling elves with brown skin. These elves, known as the Ssri-tel-quessir in the elven tongue, were once part of the larger elven society. They weren’t born black, but became black due to a combination of environmental and spiritual changes, unlike Svartálfar or Dökkálfar from Norse mythology, who are a different kind of dark elf.
The Spider Goddess’ Influence
The key turning point came with the rise of Lolth, the Spider Queen, a powerful and malevolent deity. As some of the elves were seduced by her power, their allegiance shifted, causing a major conflict with the rest of the elven society. This conflict led to a devastating schism. In time, these elves would be banished from the surface lands for their dark deeds. This banishment would start to change them both physically and culturally. The surface elves wanted nothing to do with the newly formed dark elves. They would be exiled, going underground.
The Descent into Darkness
The exiled elves, now known as drow, took refuge in the Underdark, a vast network of caverns and tunnels beneath the earth’s surface. It’s this move to the deep, where they were exposed to the strange magical energies of the subterranean world that greatly contributed to their skin darkening. While the popular thought is that they turned black to blend into the darkness, the lore doesn’t entirely agree with that notion.
Magical Transformation and Adaptation
It’s important to emphasize that the change wasn’t merely about adapting to lack of light. The drow’s transformation was also caused by the influence of the magical energies permeating the Underdark, coupled with the powerful magic of Lolth. The result was a striking change: their skin turned an obsidian-like black, and their hair, originally black, became white or silver. Their eyes also began to adapt to the darkness, often manifesting as red or a variety of other colors in daylight. This was not just a physical change; it was a profound shift in their nature, making them more attuned to their new environment and their new deity, and less like their surface-dwelling brethren.
The Colour Variations of Drow
It is important to note that the lore of the drow has changed a bit over the years. While many sources, especially official 5e artwork, indicate that drow skin is typically dark gray, charcoal, ebon black or purply-gray, their skin has had many different colorations depending on the book. Early editions often depicted them with ink-black skin, but printing issues forced the use of dark green, purple, blue and even brown. Therefore, the ebony-black we see so often is more of a generalization for the color of drow skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drow Elves
Here are some frequently asked questions that will further clarify details about the Drow and their unique characteristics:
1. Are all drow skin colors the same?
While ebony black is the most iconic drow skin color, some sources mention variations, including dark gray, charcoal, or purplish tones, often due to printing limitations of the past. These shades all range across the spectrum of deep, dark colors. The concept that the color variation in drow skin came from printers is quite a fascinating tidbit of information.
2. Is it true that drow have white hair?
Yes, drow are known for their white or silver hair. This is a striking contrast with their black skin, and it’s a characteristic that further differentiates them from their surface-dwelling elven cousins. Their ancestors possessed black hair.
3. Do drow have red eyes?
Yes, red is a common eye color for drow, especially when in the darkness of the Underdark. However, their eyes can also manifest as other colors, such as violet, gray, or even yellow. These other colors are usually more noticeable in daylight.
4. Do drow share any features with their elven ancestors?
While they are physically very different, drow still retain some elven characteristics, such as their pointed ears and lithe frames. But it is clear to tell the differences between them. These common characteristics serve as a reminder of their shared lineage, despite their dramatic divergence.
5. Are drow always evil?
No, while drow society is generally depicted as evil, individuals can deviate from the norm. Some drow, though a minority, might possess neutral or even good alignments. But their society pushes them to be evil, as Lolth commands.
6. Why are female drow often seen as stronger?
Drow society is heavily matriarchal. Female drow often have better training, are physically stronger, and are often imbued by Lolth’s blessings, making them superior to males in most aspects. This power dynamic is a core aspect of their culture.
7. Do drow enslave other races?
Yes, drow are notorious for their slavery practices. They commonly enslave races like orcs, hobgoblins, ogres, and other humanoids. Their hatred for surface elves makes them particularly willing to ally with anyone that will help them inflict suffering upon their ancestral kin.
8. Are male drow subservient to females?
Yes, in drow society, males generally hold a subservient role to females. They might lead patrols or raiding parties, but ultimately report to the matrons of their house or their female subordinates.
9. Do drow have shorter lifespans than other elves?
Drow, like their elven cousins, have long lifespans, potentially living for centuries. It is generally assumed their lifespans would be similar to that of the Dunmer elves from the Elder Scrolls universe (around 300 years). The ability to use magic would increase it further.
10. Are drow and night elves the same?
No, drow are not the same as the night elves from other fantasy settings like Warcraft. Drow are a unique subrace from the Dungeons & Dragons universe, with their own distinct lore and characteristics. They are not to be confused with one another.
11. Why do drow have dark skin if they live underground?
The dark skin of drow is more of a result of magical transformation and adaptation to the magical energies of the Underdark than a direct response to the lack of sunlight. They’re not simply cave-adapted albinos. They actually use their dark pigment to collect radiation.
12. Can drow be druids?
Yes, drow can be druids, and those known as Pit Witches are adept at using earth and stone to control the environment of the Underdark to their advantage. Their powers are quite useful.
13. What happens when a drow and a surface elf have a child?
Children of drow and surface elf unions are more likely to inherit drow traits than surface elf traits. There’s an equal chance for them to inherit any traits from either parent, but children born of a drow/elf union have a higher probability of being drow.
14. Do drow get along with other elves?
Drow have extreme animosity towards surface elves. They will take any opportunity they can to bring suffering upon the others. This hatred is a central theme in their interactions, as they are completely opposite from one another.
15. What do drow call themselves?
While they do use the term “drow”, they more commonly identify with their noble house or their devotion to Lolth. Their loyalties lie within their own communities, first and foremost.
In conclusion, the black skin of drow elves is a result of a complex mix of magical transformation, adaptation to their subterranean environment, and their devotion to Lolth. It’s not merely a change of pigment, but a symbol of their fall from grace, their descent into the Underdark, and their unique culture. Their ebony skin, white hair, and red eyes all play an important role in making drow one of the most fascinating and recognizable races in the fantasy realm.