The Lord of the Rings' Elves are the height of grace amongst fantasy species, unique in their physiology and abilities.

The Elves in The Lord of the Rings are, in many ways, what people think of when they think of the mythical species theclassic, archetypical fantasy Elves with their lithe forms and mystical countenances. However, Tolkien's version of the beings is still unique, as there are many different interpretations of them throughout folklore. The Elves of The Lord of the Rings have specific characteristics that make them particularly special.

Elves are some of the Children of Ilvatar (the others being Men), and Ilvatar is this universe's supreme being. They were the first species to find Middle-earth. Some other names of the Elves are Quendi, which means "those who speak" in Quenya (one of the primary languages spoken by Elves),and Minnnar, which means "Firstborn." Elves are considered the closest beings to the Valar, who are akin to angels in this universe, and the Vala Orom was specifically bonded to the Elves. He was the one that prompted the arrest of the evil Melkor, who is akin to the devil, and the Sundering of the Elves.

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The Elves are split into groups, which are defined less by physical differences and more by the choices of their forebears. The Avari Elves, chose to remain in Middle-earth after Orom suggested they migrate to Valinor, the "Land of the Valar," in Aman, the "blessed realm;" others, theVanyar and the oldor, were quick to make the journey, while the Teleri arrived later and were therefore seen as lesser, and these groups became the Eldar. In Valinor, they learned to excel in art, building and metalwork. After Melkor escaped, sowed chaos in Valinor and prompted a war, some Elves returned to Middle-earth and lived there until the Third Age, when The Lord of the Rings takes place. This includes the Elves of Rivendell and Mirkwood, who are featured most prominently in the story. The Rivendell elves are some of the oldor, while Mirkwood's population is comprised of Sindar and Silvan Elves, descended from the Teleri.

Like many fictional immortal species, Elves are somewhat immortal not in the sense that they cannot be killed, but in the sense that they are long-lived, it is incredibly difficult to kill them and they are immune to things like age and illness. Some Elves have healing powers, which are connected to their fa or spirit, and can also create items to aid in healing. Physical injury can kill them, however, and they are capable of wasting away if they lose their will to live. When Elves do die, they pass to the Halls of Mandos in Valinor, where they wait and reflect on their lives until, (unless they do not wish to be or have committed serious crimes in their lives) they are reincarnated. If an Elf with mortal ancestry chooses to become fully mortal, like Arwen (Liv Tyler) did, they will be able to die of natural causes.

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Elf Physiology, According to Lord of the Rings | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources