What are the differences between Elves and the Fae?
First, we need to consider the source of these beings. The Fae (also known as the Faeries and by many different spellings) are much older than the Earth (Arda) and are said to have been left from the Universe as they previously existed before Earth’s creation. For many of us, our self-understood definition of Elves is actually more applicable to the Fae – for instance, the Santa’s helper types, or tree spirits. As an example, the old stories about cattle being “elf-shot” are more attributable to that portion of the Fae rather than the Elves identified here. Elves, or Quendi, on the other hand, were created of the Earth, as are the Afterborn – Humans, also called Atani or the Second People. Elves, like Humans, are a complete balance of elements, being air, earth, fire, water, and spirit. This is why the Elves, not the Fae, are deemed Firstborn – the reference is to the first-born of Earth, or Arda – and of this perfect balance of elements. The Elves adore, even love Arda and everything
