Elves (エルフ; Erufu) are a race found in the world of Suikoden.
General Overview
One of the most prominent races in the world (next to humans), the Elves encompass more parts of the world than other races. Elves live on the Northern Continent in the Toran Republic and in Falena on the Southern Continent, as well as Na-Nal in the Kuknasi Sea.
They have long ears and are known for their longevity. A year in the world of elves is longer than that defined by humans (1 elf year = approximately 1.5 human years), so they often appear younger than their actual age. Most elves are said to be masters of the bow. They are also famous for their disdain for other races and their unfriendly attitude, but there are rare exceptions, like Kirkis, who seek coexistence with humans and dwarves.
In general, elves tend to view humans as lower beings, due to their shorter life spans and their tendency to war. This is not always true however, as many different Elves have integrated themselves successfully into human culture - whether it was due to being raised by humans or other reasons (one such scenario being that the tree, Lukiae Ende Towayo, sheds its leaves every seventy years forcing the elves to leave for a time).
Elf Names
Elven names consist of four parts: an individual name, a matronymic, a clan name, and a tribal name. For example, Kirkis's full name is Kirkis Shana Ques Laviankaana. He belongs to the Laviankaana tribe, is a member of the Ques clan, and Shana is from his mother's family (could be the name of his mother, grandmother, or other relative).
Demographics
Toran Elves
Elves are very protective of their own homes, as such few humans (or indeed, any other race) have set foot in any elven village. As far as history records, only Lukiae Ende Towayo of the Great Forest in the Toran Republic was ever visited by non-elves. The elves had for years kept outsiders away from their villages by magical enchantments over the forest, but sharing the region with three other races made it difficult to maintain complete isolation. When Kwanda Rosman began asserting Imperial authority over the region, none of the elves were willing to seek outside help with the exception of Kirkis. In the end, the village was decimated by the Burning Mirror, leaving only a small group of elves to rebuild after the devastation.
Elves of the Island Nations
On the island of Na-Nal, the elves coexist with the humans on the island, although the peace between the two peoples is shaky at best. During the war with the Kooluk Empire, the elves intentionally sabotaged the efforts of the Na-Nal elder to peacefully ally with the Kooluk Empire. This was largely done because the elven elder felt the humans had no right forming alliances with other nations on behalf of all Na-Nal and using elven resources as a peace offering. When Lazlo and his companions went to secure the special Elven Remedy to make 'amends' for the trouble they caused, they were captured by the elves. Eventually they were set free by Selma, one of the native elves who didn't agree with her people. Little else is known about elven involvement in the formation of the Island Nations Federation afterwards.
Falenan Elves
The Elven village of Alseid, located in Falena, is one of the more mysterious elven settlements. No human has ever set foot on Alseid, even though it seems to be located near Lunas. Despite the fact that the beavers and dwarves became involved in the Falenan Civil War, the Elves never officially lent their support and presumably were never represented by the New Parliament.
Prominent Elves
Chief of Elf Village, Kirkis, Sylvina, Stallion, Rubi, Nei, Roland Lesaurus, Paula, Selma, Mercenary Leader, Isato, and Urda
Trivia
- Nei, Paula, Selma and Mercenary Leader are the only Elves to not use a Bow and Arrow as their weapon.
References
- Genso Suikoden Kiwami Daijiten (page 28)
- Genso Suikoden I & II Official World Guide Book (pages 44-45)