The Pantheons: Ithil'Seldar is a term used to collectively refer to all the Elven pantheons, encompassing the diverse religious and cultural beliefs of the Elves and their kin. The word "Ithil" means "Moon" in the ancient Elven tongue, symbolizing the overarching connection between all Elven races, despite their differences in alignment, culture, and environment. "Seldar" translates to "Children of the Stars," a name the Elves often use to refer to themselves.
This collective encompasses three main branches and some gods of other races:
- Tel`Seldarinae {Seldarine}: Representing the Good and Neutral deities worshipped by Surface Elves and Half-Elves, the Seldarine are revered for their guidance, wisdom, and guardianship over nature, art, and magic. They are seen as the protectors of traditional Elven values and the caretakers of the natural world.
- Ral`Sindarinae {Sindarine}: This branch includes the Evil deities venerated by some Surface Elves and Half-Elves who have turned away from the light of the Seldarine. The Sindarine represent darker aspects of Elven culture, including vengeance, power, and ambition. They embody the Elven qualities of cunning and ruthlessness, often in opposition to the Seldarine.
- Mor`Seldarinae {Dark Seldarine}: The Dark Seldarine are the gods worshipped by the Drow Elves, a race of Elves who live in the Underdark, far beneath the surface world. The Mor'Seldarinae embody the values and beliefs of the Drow, including treachery, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of power. They are often at odds with both the Seldarine and Sindarine.
- Shou`Suldarinae {Suldarine}: These Gods are a collection of Gods worshipped by the Elves from different pantheons such as the Dragonwright and the Church of Light and Dark.
The Mythos of the Elven Gods: A Comprehensive Tapestry of Lore
The mythos of the Elven gods, as conveyed through Elven tradition and sacred texts, is an intricate and multifaceted tapestry woven from ancient speculation, legends, and divine history. The following account seeks to present as thorough a portrayal of this rich and complex lore as possible, though it is important to acknowledge that the myths are continually interpreted and understood in various ways across different Elven cultures and scholars.
Origins of the World and the Birth of the Gods
In the primordial expanse before time itself began, the universe was a realm of raw potential. The world existed in a state of formlessness, governed only by the presence of the Sun and the Land, an eternal dance of light and earth, pre-existing even the gods. The origins of these celestial entities remain a profound mystery, as the earliest records and myths focus on the events that transpired once they came into being.
From the union of the Sun's radiant energy and the Land's nurturing essence emerged Corellon Larethian, the first of the Elven gods. Corellon was a figure of immense joy and vitality, celebrating the life and beauty that began to flourish upon the Land. However, this harmony was disrupted by the Sun's growing jealousy of the Land's burgeoning flora and fauna.
In a fit of wrath, the Sun scorched the world, reducing its vibrant life to ashes. The Land, in its grief, wept torrents that carved out the world's oceans and rivers. This act of mourning and the ensuing clash between Corellon and the Sun marked the beginning of a great conflict. Corellon, driven by his love for the Land, defeated the Sun and exiled him to the Abyss.
Yet, the Land's sorrow was so profound that it invoked Sehanine Moonbow, who emerged from the sea to soothe Corellon's rage and remind him of the Sun's crucial role in the world's renewal. Through Sehanine's intervention, the Sun was released, and light returned to the world. Together, Corellon and Sehanine brought forth their divine children, Ylandris and Ryeal Ae'Sehanine, and with their help, they shaped the world's spheres and established the Great Forests of Arvannaith.
The Age of the Old Ones
Long before the rise of the Elven gods, the universe was under the dominion of the Old Ones, ancient and malevolent entities whose rule extended across multiple worlds. These beings thrived on chaos and suffering, creating and manipulating life for their own twisted purposes. The Old Ones are credited with the creation of numerous life forms, including the Elves, Dragons, and Titans, though their creations were often subjected to cruelty and despair.
The arrival of Corellon and his allies marked the beginning of a new era of resistance against these primordial forces. The gods, along with powerful allies such as the Dragon Gods and Thoth, a god who was once Xy, the greatest of the Old Ones, fought to free the universe from the Old Ones' oppressive rule.
The Great Alliance and the Sealing of the Old Ones
The conflict between the forces of light and the Old Ones was immense and tumultuous. Corellon, with the support of Sehanine, Thoth, and the mighty Dragon Gods, forged an alliance to confront the darkness. The battle was fierce, with the forces of the Old Ones employing their vast and malevolent power to spread chaos.
In a climactic struggle, the combined might of the gods and their allies managed to imprison the Old Ones rather than destroy them, fearing that their complete annihilation could trigger a cosmic backlash. Lokum the Angel, Kym-nark-mar the Dragon, and Lictalon the Elf played pivotal roles in this endeavor, casting powerful spells that bound the Old Ones deep within the earth, preventing them from wreaking further havoc.
The Continuing Influence of the Old Ones
Even in their slumber, the Old Ones' dark essence continues to affect the world. The Elven gods and their allies remain vigilant, guarding the seals and monitoring any signs of the Old Ones' influence. This lingering presence is believed to manifest in various forms of evil and corruption, affecting not only the land but also the creatures and races that inhabit it.
Changelings, Ogres, and other malevolent beings are thought to be manifestations of the Old Ones' lingering malice. The Elven pantheon, together with their allies, strives to mitigate these effects and protect the world from the ever-present threat of the Old Ones' return.
The Legacy of the Elven Gods
The mythos of the Elven gods is not just a record of ancient events but a living tradition that continues to shape the Elven understanding of their place in the cosmos. The tales of the gods' battles, their creation of the world, and their eternal vigilance against the forces of darkness are deeply embedded in Elven culture and spirituality.
Through their stories, the Elven people honor their deities, uphold their values, and remember the eternal struggle between light and darkness. The myths serve as both a testament to the gods' enduring power and a reminder of the constant vigilance required to maintain balance in a world touched by ancient chaos.
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