elven

Elven is an English adjective and demonym relating to elves, a race of humanoid beings in folklore and modern fantasy. The term is used to describe things associated with elves, including their culture, art, language, and artifacts.

In traditional European folklore, elves are supernatural beings with varying nature—benevolent, mischievous, or dangerous. The word "elf" has a long history in myth; the specific term "elven" is a modern usage that supplements the archaic noun.

In fantasy literature, elves are common and usually portrayed as long-lived or immortal, skilled in magic, archery, or crafts. The most influential depiction comes from J. R. R. Tolkien, whose elves inhabit ancient kingdoms, speak delicate languages, and shape legendary histories. Writers and game designers have adopted "elven" to describe their elves and related matters, though usage varies by work; some distinguish between "Elven" as culture or artifact and "Elvish" or the languages themselves.

In contemporary media, "elven" appears in novels, role-playing games, films, and video games to evoke a classic elflike aesthetic or to name features such as elven armor, elven cities, or elven languages.

See also: Elf; Elves in popular culture; Elf (mythology).