dark elves

Subterranean mythical beings

Dark elves are a fantasy race appearing in mythology, folklore, and modern fiction, typically depicted as subterranean cousins of elves with dark or ashen skin.

In Norse mythology, they were called svartálfar and associated with the underground realm Svartálfaheim.

Modern fantasy—particularly games like Dungeons & Dragons and The Elder Scrolls—portrays them as morally ambiguous or villainous, often dwelling in vast underground cities.

The dark elves ambushed the party in the cavern.

traits

pale skin

Light-colored human exterior

cruelty · treachery · slavers · poisoners · ambush · stealth · nocturnal · matriarchal · decadent · sadistic

subterranean

caverns

Large underground hollows

stalagmites · chasm · obsidian · bioluminescence · carved stone

gaming

Warhammer

Miniature wargaming franchise

Elder Scrolls · red eyes · gray skin

Drow

adamantine

Utterly impervious, unshakeable

Norse

Mjolnir

Thunder god's hammer

magic

levitation

Unsupported aerial suspension

Categories
Opposites
light vs dark moral/aesthetic alignment

dark elveshigh elves

Aristocratic fantasy race

wood elves · angels

fantasy race alignment spectrum

dark elvesangels

Divine winged messengers

celestials · dryads · nymphs · sprites · fairies

nature affinity

dark elveswood elves

Mythical forest-dwelling race

nature spirits · druids · dryads · sprites

Family

dark, darken, darkened, darkening, darkly, darkness, darker, darkest, elfish

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G