Elves (Aen Seidhe) of The Witcherverse
Elves are one of the humanoid races in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series. Elves are one of the Elder Races (along with gnomes and dwarves). Elves, also known as Aen Seidhe, came to the Continent on their white ships much earlier than humans, but later than gnomes and dwarves. Elves live much longer than humans and are usually very attractive. Their characteristic features include pointed ears and small, identical teeth without cuspids (canine teeth). Elves are capable of interbreeding with humans (thus producing half-elves and quadroons) and dryads.
Like other nonhumans, elves are often persecuted by Nordlings. Because of that, many elves were members of the Scoia'tael guerilla allied with Nilfgaard during the empire's invasion of the Northern Kingdoms. In return, Emperor Emhyr var Emreis gave the elves a state of their own in Dol Blathanna and made Enid an Gleanna its queen.
Elves believe that they were created, unlike humans, who evolved. For this reason, some elves consider humans to be little more than hairless apes.
Aside from Aen Seidhe, there exists another group of elves called Aen Elle that inhabits another world.
Like other nonhumans, elves are often persecuted by Nordlings. Because of that, many elves were members of the Scoia'tael guerilla allied with Nilfgaard during the empire's invasion of the Northern Kingdoms. In return, Emperor Emhyr var Emreis gave the elves a state of their own in Dol Blathanna and made Enid an Gleanna its queen.
Elves believe that they were created, unlike humans, who evolved. For this reason, some elves consider humans to be little more than hairless apes.
Aside from Aen Seidhe, there exists another group of elves called Aen Elle that inhabits another world.
Settled Aen Seidhe
The derogatory term non-humans is collectively used by humans for dwarves, halflings and elves without difference. Many of those settled within the human society across all of the northern kingdoms, living their life as more or less accepted part of the society. Even though some make their mark and earn some respect through their craft, as is the nature of humans, in times of crisis they tend to be the first to blames and history knows countless pogroms against non-human population, being the first to be blamed for anything imaginable.
These non-humans same as humans dress in variety of ways and their customs are very close to those of humans. |
The Scoia'Tael
This land we once called our home.
It was the land that used to give, now it is being only taken from. Raped by plows, stripped bare by pickaxes and axes. No one asks the land anymore. No one cares. This land was once free, and so were we. Aen Seidhe. Laughable. Our elders betrayed our blood, and bowed down before the dh'oine, became shadows of our glory before these apes - and thus we ran to the woods, became squirrels. We are the Scoia'tael and we shall take what is ours, we do not bow nor do we beg. None shall be laughing anymore, none, when the blue Ribbon becomes red, when the flames consume the skies. None shall be laughing. None. |