Silvan Elves

[Legolas]

Rather, the Silvan Elves seem to be Eldar, if not nearly as great as those that did dwell in Beleriand

The Eldar are those who accepted the Summons and went on the Great March, whether or not they completed it. The Silvan elves did not accept the Summons, and subsequently were not considered Eldar.

Letter No. 144

They are represented as having become early divided in to two, or three, varieties. 1. The Eldar who heard the summons of the Valar or Powers to pass from Middle-earth over the Sea to the West; and 2. the Lesser Elves who did not answer it. Most of the Eldar after a great march reached the Western Shores and passed over Sea; these were the High Elves, who became immensely enhanced in powers and knowledge. But part of them in the event remained in the coast-lands of the North-west: these were the Sindar or Grey-elves. The lesser Elves hardly appear, except as part of the people of The Elf-realm; of Northern Mirkwood, and of Lorien, ruled by Eldar; their languages do not appear.

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ]