Eldar

Eldar is a term used in fantasy to refer to elven or elven-like peoples, most notably in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium and in Warhammer 40,000, where it denotes distinct elven civilizations and cultures. The word is often linked to ideas of star-based destiny and ancient wisdom, though its exact meaning varies by setting.

In Tolkien's works, Eldar (Quenya for “Elves” or “People of the Stars”) designates the Elves who accepted the summons of the Valar and sailed from Cuiviénen to Valinor. They are also called the Calaquendi, or the Elves of the Light, after witnessing the Two Trees of Valinor. The Eldar are divided into three kindreds: Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri. Those who refused the invitation, the Avari, are sometimes contrasted with the Eldar, and the term Moriquendi is used for Elves who never beheld the light of Valinor. The Elves who remained in Middle-earth after the exodus, and who did not reach Valinor, are often referred to as the Sindar or other names, depending on tradition. The Eldar's culture, history, and languages are central to Tolkien’s lore, influencing the wider mythos and its languages.

In Warhammer 40,000, the Eldar (often now called Aeldari) are an ancient, highly advanced and psychic humanoid race. Their civilizations include Craftworld Eldar, the Exodites, and the Dark Eldar (Drukhari). A long, decadent history culminated in the fall of their empire after the birth of the god-entity Slaanesh, which devoured a portion of their souls and fragmented their civilization. Today they are depicted as a fragile, high-technology society that relies on psychic powers and swift, strategic warfare, with many factions preserving different cultural paths.

Eldar thus appears as a term with multiple, distinct usages across fantasy literature and gaming, often linked to elven lineage, star-related myth, and ancient civilizations.