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Dark elves

Dark elves is the name for the (mostly) evil counterparts of the elves in many mythologies and fantasy settings. They are often at war with other elves.

Norse mythology

In Norse mythology, the Svartalfar or the black elves are ugly, misshapen, subterranean and generally evil creatures who dwell in the world of Svartalfheim, often confused with the Dokkalfar or the dark elves, the light-avoiding (though not necessarily subterranean, nor necessarily evil) counterparts of the light elves. They are sometimes called Dwarves.

Celtic mythology

In Celtic mythology (Gaelic), the Daoi-Sith are dark elves, while the Du-Sith are black elves.

Scottish folklore

In Scottish folklore, the Trow or the black elves are similar to the Svartalfar and inhabit mines and caves beneath Orkney Isle. They may be either good or evil, but the evil variety are more common. They are probably based on the Du-Sith of Celtic mythology.

The Drow or the dark elves are presumably the Shetland Isle equivalent of the Trow, but unlike the Trow, they are thought of as exclusively evil. They are probably based on the Daoi-Sith of Celtic mythology.

Middle-earth

In J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the Moriquendi—the Elves of Darkness—are, in essence, the Elves that did not join the Great Journey over the sea and behold the light of the Two Trees in Valinor. The term "Dark Elf" in Tolkien's writing seems to hold an additional special (not explained) meaning, as it is given as a special title of Eöl of Nan Elmoth.

Dungeons & Dragons

In the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse, especially in the worlds of Greyhawk, the Forgotten Realms and Eberron, dark elves are called drow. They are dark-skinned and white-haired and are generally evil.

Record of Lodoss War

Dark elves from the fictional world of Record of Lodoss War are brown-skinned and not necessarily evil, but primarily aligned with the forces of Marmo, the enemies of the story's heroes. These Dark Elves are capable of deep loyalty and love.

Warhammer

In the world of Warhammer, the generally evil Dark Elves (Dark Eldar in the Warhammer 40,000 universe) do not dwell underground, nor are they dark-skinned. They call themselves the Druchii. The Druchii live in Naggaroth, the geographic equivalent of North America in the Warhammer World, and are cruel raiders with much hatred for all other races; especially their lighter kindred, the High Elves.

The Dark Elves were once High Elves, and lived in Ulthuan. Malekith was the son of the king and thus was, according to birthright, the rightful successor to the throne. However, Malekith was far more testy and warlike than any of the High Elven court was willing to put up with, and instead a different king was chosen. The ensuing dissent led to a civil war that raged across Ulthuan and eventually brought about the exile of Malekith, his mother Morathi, and his followers from Ulthuan. This group relocated to Naggaroth, the Land of Chill, and founded the Six Cities (Naggarond, Hag Graef, Ghrond, Karond Kar, Clar Karond, Har Ganeth).

The Druchii society is a hierarchical one, with their Witch King, Malekith, at the top. At his right hand is his mother and consort, Queen Morathi. It has been argued, however, that the Dark Elves are in truth a fascist society, with one man at the top and several powerful underlings in competition with each other, all vying for power but simultaneously preventing others from getting it. Malekith allows this to continue because it keeps all sects strong, but also in line.

Dark Elves have one major source of income: plunder. Dark Elves raid all other lands, particularly Ulthuan, home of their enemies, the High Elves. They take food, money, and slaves. Slaves are a large part of Druchii society, and do most of the menial chores that an enterprising Druchii will not deign to do himself. Slaves also make up the ritual sacrifices so necessary to the workings of Druchii society and their worship of Khaine, the God of Murder.

The Druchii mostly worship the Elven god Khaine, the bloody-handed god of Murder. The Druchii, being a cruel and savage race, are devoted followers of Khaine and while their kindred, the High Elves of Ulthuan, may invoke this god from time to time as needed, the Dark Elves are wholly devoted to him. The most savage sect of Khaine worshippers are known as the Brides of Khaine, but more commonly called Witch Elves. A Witch Elf (Maibd) is considered a wife of Khaine, but this is the extent of her similarities to nuns. The Witch Elves love battle and are extremely zealous in proving their worth to Khaine.

A sizable portion of the population has also secretly carried out worship of the Chaos God of Pleasure, Slaanesh. The Cult of Pleasure played a major role in the sundering of the Elves of Ulthuan, but was quiet for a time. The leader of the Cult is none other than Morathi, mother of the King. For this reason civil war amongst the Dark Elves has not occured, but with the recent growth in power of the Cult, such a battle may come about. The head of the Temple of Khaine, Hellebron, would certainly like nothing more.

The website, , is perhaps the most powerful influence on the internet for Warhammer players. The community started out as a simple website set up by Kitrik (still the webmaster) because he had started playing Dark Elves but could find no good resources. The site grew from there and now has more than 6000 users. It has been mentioned in White Dwarf for its petition to Games Workshop for much needed edits to the Dark Elf Army Book and, in a permanent testament to the voice of the people, edits were approved. It is also home to the , developed by users of the site to aid Dark Elf players with access to their own language and rune system. Regulars include Grand Tournament players, Golden Daemon winners, and many other valuable sources of information.

Druchii.net is arguably the biggest race-specific Warhammer site on the internet, and arguably one of the most important Warhammer communities of any sort on the web.

Other occurences

There are also Dark Elves in the fantasy world of Glorantha.

The Dark Elf Trilogy is a series of books written by R. A. Salvatore and set in the Forgotten Realms world.