Elfo da Neve

*"Na época anterior ao homem, eles eram conhecidos como os Elfos da Neve. Eles viviam à luz do sol e tinham uma sociedade muito próspera."*
― Enthir[src]
Elfos da Neve *(em Aldmeris: Falmer)*, occasionally referred to as **Ice Elves**[1][2] or **Ancient Falmer**,[3]are a race of Mer that has nearly completely disappeared. During the Merethic Era, they were the main inhabitants of Skyrim, and had a very advanced society.[4]

It is commonly believed that centuries of underground living and Dwemer slavery twisted the race into becoming the blind, merciless and savage Falmer.[5][6][7]

The few known remaining Ancient Falmer call themselves "Snow Elf," and refer to those that are called by the modern term "Falmer," as "The Betrayed."[7]

The Snow Elves, also known as the Falmer or Ice Elves,[1] are a proud race of mer with an unusually great aptitude for magic. They tend towards cold, remote regions,[2] and inhabited a portion of Skyrim before being displaced by the Nords in the late Merethic Eraand early First Era.[3] Before that, they had a civilization which rivaled even the Altmer of the Summerset Isles. They resemble white-haired, pale Altmer, and have very long lifespans, as well as a strong resistance to frost.[4] Legends say they favor spears and archery in combat.[5]

Much as "High Elf" and "Wood Elf" are interchangeable with "Altmer" and "Bosmer" respectively,[6] "Falmer" is really just another term for "Snow Elf".[7][8] However, most people, even the Snow Elves themselves, demonstrated a preference for "Snow Elf".[3][9][10] In this case, time eventually provided distinct meanings for the two terms. Many of the ancient Snow Elves were betrayed in a deal for asylum they struck with the Dwemer. The Dwemer forced their wards to subsist only on toxic fungi which twisted them into sightless slaves. It is the hideous descendants of these slaves, whom other Snow Elves called "the Betrayed", who have come to represent the Falmer to many of the people of Tamriel. People often refer to the grand ancient race of Skyrim elves as Snow Elves, and to their barbaric remnants as Falmer.[3][4][11]

Few know that an unknown number of civilized Snow Elves rejected the Dwemer's deal. Even fewer know that some have survived, uncorrupted, into modern times. Knight-Paladin Gelebor of the Chantry of Auri-El, the only known and potentially last Snow Elf still alive today, embraced this distinction between "Falmer" and "Snow Elf" because of the negative connotations "Falmer" had accumulated over the millennia.[3][12]

## Morfologia

In the Fourth Era, during the events of *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*, two living Snow Elves were encountered; Knight-Paladin Gelebor and his brother Arch-Curate Vyrthur, as well as five 'spectral Prelates,' none of whom are female.[4]

Their appearance is very similar to that of the High Elves, with the exception of their skin and their hair, which is white. As the Chantry did not enter disrepair until after the fall of the Snow Elves, it is unknown how long Snow Elves live. As Gelebor stated, the Chantry was in disrepair long before he arrived. Thus his age cannot be fully determined.[7]

Similarly to their cousins, the High Elves, they have a rather extensive lifespan. Attesting to this, the report that Arch-Curate Vyrthur brought about the prophecy of the Tyranny of the Sun, that, much later became the obsession of Harkon. There is also the fact that Gelebor and Vyrthur were alive before the rise of the Alessian Empire, as Serana mentioned not knowing about the *Empire*, she was, thus, imprisoned before Cyrodiil became the seat of an empire.[19][20]

From what is known, Gelebor and Vyrthur are at least over 4,000 years old. Due to the fact that the Snow Elves worshiped the god Phynaster and are very similar to the Altmer, in comparison to the other races,[7] it is, also possible that Gelebor had his life extended directly from Auri-El.[4]

## História

### Era Merethica

It is unclear whether other mer also inhabited Skyrim (besides the underground Dwemer); early accounts are mostly from the Nordic perspective, which usually only refer to "the elves" without making distinctions. But elves in ancient Skyrim are assumed to be Snow Elves, in whole or in part.

The empire of the Snow Elves was expansive, wealthy, and prosperous in the Merethic Era.[3] They displayed power beyond what could be expected of the time.[13] However, they found themselves constantly in conflict with the proto-Nords coming over from Atmora.[3] The Nedic peoples either co-habitated with or were enslaved by the elves in other parts of Tamriel; only in Skyrim did relations break down into widespread conflict. It's unknown when the conflict began; the earliest human settlements in Tamriel date back to ME800-1000, and sources suggest the relationship remained relatively harmonious for some time.[7][14]

Despite most of this civilization's history being lost, a surviving Snow Elf by the name of Knight-Paladin Gelebor revealed details about the fate of his race.[7] Gelebor explains that they were once a "proud and prosperous race," before the war with the Atmorans and their subsequent enslavement by the Dwemer.[7] The Snow Elves had a society that almost rivaled that of the Altmer from the Summerset Isles.[6] The Snow Elves were also very talented when it came to magic, as can be seen with Arch-Curate Vyrthur.[4]

Like all Mer, the Snow Elves are descendants of the ancient Aldmer. Unlike the other races of Mer, the Snow Elves retained much of the Aldmeri culture. When they separated from them is unknown.

The Snow Elves were originally a wealthy and prosperous society that made their home in portions of Skyrim. They were the first race of Mer in Skyrim and were present long before the first Atmoran colonies that were established by Ysgramor.[7][6] Their origin was part of the initial exodus of dissident Mer groups from the Summerset Isles along with the Dwemer, Chimer and Ayleids, although the only Mer to settle in Skyrim were the Snow Elves and later, the Dwemer.[8]

#### Paz com Atmoranos

When the Atmorans arrived from Atmora, the Snow Elves had a somewhat comfortable relationship with the humans.[9] Initial coexistence between men and Snow Elves was largely peaceful, though this was not to last, as conflict soon arose between the two peoples.[10]

#### Noite das Lágrimas

The peace was short-lived, as an attack by Snow Elves destroyed the rapidly growing settlement of Nords in Saarthal. It was known as the "Night of Tears."[11][10] This raid on Saarthal destroyed the entire population of the city save for Ysgramor and his two sons, who fled back to Atmora. The death of his countrymen prompted Ysgramor to summon his Five Hundred Companions — the namesake and forebears of the Companions in Whiterun — and vow to return and drive the Snow Elves from Skyrim.

As they considered the humans to be a lesser species, the elves had little qualms about the slaughter they committed. This genocidal spree would be known as the Night of Tears.[10]

#### O Saque de Sarthaal

The *Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Skyrim* and *Fall of the Snow Prince* suggest the conflict may have been related to the rapidly increasing Nord population and a struggle for control over territory and resources, which took the form of a war of extermination—with both sides apparently pursuing the utter destruction of the other.[11][12] The *Night of Tears* as well as the *Imperial Report on Saarthal* suggests the conflict may have rather been more specifically related to, or escalated by the Snow Elves desire to control a powerful artifact uncovered by the Nord settlers and the Nords of Saarthal's desire to keep such power buried beneath the rocks and soil of their city.[13]

Later during the events of *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*, a Thalmor representative, Ancano, as well as the Psijic Order member Quaranir, took actions and made statements giving credence to the theory that this object, known as the Eye of Magnus, may have played an important role in the conflict.

The text *KINMUNE* supports the latter conclusion strongly as it identifies area under Saarthal as the site of a divine prison:

*"High King Ysgramor took the loss of the Dumb Old Giant, one of his greatest counselors outside of Torc and Talking-Belt, with great anger, and sent his Thanes and Shield-Biters against her, equipped with great relics and enchanted weapons of wasabi. And though the fight was hard, the champions of the Altmora managed to seal Kinmune beneath the always-burnt borders of Sarthaal, imprisoning her in its prismatic network of misunderstood dwemercraft."*
― *KINMUNE*[src]
#### O Retorno

However, the decision to eradicate the Nords would come at a great cost - to their entire civilization - as Ysgramor survived the attack on Saarthal and returned to their Atmoran homeland of Atmora to raise an army. Ysgramor and his army, known as the Five Hundred Companions, would return to Skyrim to take revenge on the Snow Elves. The series of events that would soon follow would be known as The Return, and with this return, a new war would begin. As time passed, the Nords once again returned to Tamriel. They landed in Skyrim, and began a march across Skyrim under Ysgramor's leadership to avenge their fallen brethren. The elves would wage war with the humans for years, slowly losing to the very "creatures" they had culled in years prior.[12]

Why the elves of Skyrim instigated the Night of Tears is disputed; attributed motives include fear, religious and military provocations, territorial disputes, and a desire to possess an ancient power the humans had uncovered (the Eye of Magnus).[4][7][13]Regardless, the elves attacked the human capital of Saarthal one night and razed it to the ground.[13] The only known survivors were the Atmoran-born ruler Ysgramor, as well as his two sons Yngol and Ylgar. They fled to Atmora, only to return with a vengeance. Ysgramor's Five Hundred Companions wiped out any elves they came across, clearing the way for more settlers to come in their wake.[15] The Nords reportedly killed the Snow Elves by the thousands.[16][nb1] Their descendants continue to glorify their ancestors' genocidal attacks against the Snow Elves; one of the most popular songs in Skyrim is "The Slaying of the Falmer Princes".[4]

#### Batalha de Moesring

After wiping out organized elven resistance in Skyrim, the Nordic armies sought their enemy out on the island of Solstheim. The elves made a last stand in the Battle of the Moesring: after an intense battle, their leader, the Snow Prince, was killed, and the elves were routed.[5] The age of the Snow Elves was done.[9]

The Snow Elves were broken and scattered, following numerous losses to Ysgramor and his Companions, and retreated to the island of Solstheim for safe harbor. Led by an elf only known as the Snow Prince, the Snow Elves took a final stand against the Nordic people, inspired by their leader, to seek their victory anew. During the Battle of the Moesring, which was to be the last battle against the Nords, the Snow Prince was slain by a child by the name of Finna, who, in her grief after the death of her mother, threw her mother's sword at the Prince, which struck him in the breast and killed him.[12]

The death of the Snow Prince caused the elves' hope to be shattered, and many attempted to flee the battle. It is not known what the exact date of this loss was but it was towards the end of the Merethic Era.[12][14]

With the elves' military power destroyed, the Nords, then, mounted a genocidal campaign and killed the Snow Elves by the thousands.

### Primeira Era

Though they steadily lost ground, the Snow Elves had been firmly entrenched in Skyrim, and they persevered into the early centuries of the First Era. In fact, the massive yet well-hidden Chantry of Auri-El, a great magical and architectural achievement even by today's standards, hadn't even been constructed by the Snow Elves until the early First Era.[3] It was not until the reign of High King Harald (1E 143-221) that the elves were believed to have been driven from the present borders of Skyrim,[7] though the Snow Elves continued to hide in the newly-established Nordic kingdom.[4][9]

#### Interações com Sai

Following their defeat, the Snow Elf resistance was eradicated. Sai had agreed to help all living creatures of Nirn with his luck, and thus attempted to help the Snow Elves. He had to find them first, as this was not an easy task, for the few remaining survivors had vanished into hiding. When he did find them, he did not manage to win their trust and they refused his help.[1]

#### A Traição

*"We had always maintained an uneasy alliance with the underground-dwelling dwarves, and when faced with extinction we turned to them for help. Surprisingly, they agreed to protect us but demanded a terrible price... the blinding of our race. There were splinter groups that resisted the agreement, and even some that sought alternate alliances. But when it was all said and done, those elves were either slaughtered, vanished or gave up and took the dwarves' bargain."*
― Cavaleiro-Paladino Gelebor
Eventually, the Snow Elves sought refuge with the Dwemer, in their underground fortresses. The Snow Elves had always maintained an uneasy alliance with the Dwemer, also known as Dwarves, and since the Snow Elves were experiencing the eradication of their culture, they turned to the Dwarves for help.

The Dwarves agreed to grant the Snow Elves refuge, but at a high price. They were forced to eat toxic plants in order to live underground.[7] This toxic fungus naturally came from Blackreach, and the Dwemer fed the toxic fungus to the Snow Elves.[5] The toxins gradually destroyed their sight, and this loss happened over generations. The Dwemer then forced the blind Snow Elves into slavery. Not all of the Snow Elves agreed to such a price. Splinter groups had formed to search for alternate solutions. These elves sought out other alliances, but, ultimately, most were slaughtered, vanished, or gave in and accepted the Dwemer's offers.[5][7]

#### Os Falmer

Over time, the Snow Elves began to devolve into twisted, blinded creatures, becoming the degenerate race now known as the Falmer. They were slaves of the Dwemer and over time, their history was lost as they became an increasingly primal people. Because of this, it is commonly believed that the Snow Elves were actually tricked into blindness and slavery, rather than having agreed to the situation to survive.[5] Although contradictory reports state that most Snow Elves sought the Dwemer's help and agreed to their terms to avoid eradication.[7][15]

Sometime later, the Snow Elves/Falmer revolted against their masters, which started a war that lasted decades. The full-fledged and bloody conflict was known as the War of the Crag. The war raged deep below the surface of Skyrim, unbeknownst to the surface dwellers, the Nords. Then, in 1E 700, the Snow Elves came to face the Dwemer in battle, but the Dwemer people had completely disappeared.[5]

#### O Desaparecimento dos Dwemer

At that time, the Dwemer were also fighting another war against the Chimer, east of Skyrim, in Morrowind — the War of the First Council. This war, in Morrowind, was fought over religion, philosophy, and issues over ethics, technology, magic and religion. However the central contentious point was the fact that the Dwemer were in possession of the powerful Heart of Lorkhan. The war started in 1E 668, and in 1E 700, the Battle of Red Mountain took place in and around the Dwemer citadels on Red Mountain. It is reported that, as the battle was being fought, Kagrenac, the Chief Tonal Architect of the Dwemer, used his tools to tap into the Heart, which caused the Dwemer race to disappear.[16][17] The disappearance of the Dwemer subsequently freed the Snow Elves. However, years of enslavement and war had left them bloodthirsty and in a primal state.[5]

Some pockets of Snow Elf resistance remained, although, it appears that most were eventually eliminated. Skorm Snow-Strider's Journal discussed a military campaign against Snow Elf refugee forces as late as 1E 139 under the First King of Skyrim, Harald. Despite this, Gelebor believes there may be other isolated Snow Elf survivors scattered across Tamriel.[7]

By the 2E 582, the Snow Elves were a near-forgotten legend, and the ruin-dwelling Falmer remained hidden from the eyes of those on the surface.[18]

#### O Último dos Elfos da Neve

Not all Snow Elves suffered the fate of the Falmer: it appears that elves, such as Knight-Paladin Gelebor and various other religious followers, were able to evade death at the Nords' hands or their enslavement by the Dwarves. These last Snow Elves live in seclusion, and appear to have remained as keepers or guardians to their shrines.[4]

Gelebor shows pity toward his "primal brethren," whom he calls "the Betrayed." He also states that he rejects the name of "Falmer," preferring to be called "Snow Elves."[7]

The largest gathering of these elves were at the Chantry of Auri-El. However, after a massive raid by the Betrayed, Knight-Paladin Gelebor and his brother, Arch-Curate Vyrthur, seem to be the only survivors left there.[4]

It is unknown how many other Sanctuaries exist in Skyrim, where these Snow Elves may be found, but it should be noted that several tomes states that many fled Skyrim, and may probably be living in other parts of Tamriel or on different continents.

## Sociedade

Little is known of the Snow Elf society, other than that it parallels that of the Altmer. They kept in contact with other elven kingdoms. They developed a complex and nearly indecipherable language. Only a few people in Tamriel can even recognize their alphabet, let alone read it, making it an ideal cipher for anyone with the proper knowledge seeking to encode their writings.[16][25] They developed their own method of telling time, and magnificent architectural achievements, among other things.[4] They had temples to all of them, though none were as impressive as their Chantry of Auri-El.[3] Their writings reference "Young Ones" and "Old Ones", though how precise this distinction is and its significance in their society is unknown.[9][17]

Many of the most dedicated Snow Elves once committed themselves to a tireless journey through the massive Chantry of Auri-El, carrying with them the paramount desire to become one with their god, Auri-El.[3][27] After it was constructed in the mythical Forgotten Vale of western Skyrim, the Chantry quickly became the epicenter of the Snow Elf religion. The retreat was designed for those who wished to become enlightened. Initiates entered the Chantry through a cave representing the absence of enlightenment, and carried a ceremonial ewer to each of the wayshrines, small sites of worship which were scattered throughout the Chantry which were used for both meditation and transportation. Each shrine was tended to by a Prelate, who taught the initiates the mantras they were supposed to recite. After visiting the Wayshrines of Illumination, Learning, Resolution, Radiance, and Sight, and dipping the ewer into the water basin of each, the initiates finally arrived at the Inner Sanctum at the end of their pilgrimage and had an audience with the Arch-Curate, a Snow Elf who communicated directly with Auri-El.[3] The only known Arch-Curate was Vyrthur, brother of Gelebor, who was infected with vampirism by an initiate around the time of the Snow Elves' downfall and spent millennia plotting revenge against Auri-El for allowing this to happen.[28]

Though all set out with the determination to prove their worth, few initiates were prepared for the trials of the Chantry. The pilgrims struggled not only against the natural elements of the treacherous vale the Chantry was built in, but with a myriad of tests upon their faith and loyalty. There was great glory for those who succeeded and great shame and scrutiny for those who did not. But the tales of those who reached the Inner Sanctum are not without their share of woes. It is said that upon their arrival, many were mere shells of the person they had once been. Some were quite mad from sleeplessness and starved to the point of frailty. By the end of their journey, the marvel that they had strength yet to carry their vessel and ascend the stairs of the temple was the last true testament of their loyalty. Regardless of each individual's tale, the final words remain eerily similar. It is said that every pilgrim ascended, bathed in light, a look of relief and contentment on their face.[27]

## Reaparecimento

*"I fear a horror neither man nor gods could possibly stand against."*
―Ursa Uthrax[src]
There is speculation that the Falmer will eventually become a surface-dwelling race once again.[5]In 2E 582, the Falmer remained dormant, keeping quiet within the Dwarven Ruins for centuries to come.[18] By 4E 201 however, there are reports of increasing organized surface raids from the Falmer; attacking cattle and crops, abducting civilians, and killing travelers and explorers who would venture too close to their dwelling.[21][22][23][24][25] There have also been cases where they have broken through underground tunnels into habitations and decimated those that lived therein.[26]

Reports from Dwemer ruin explorations reveal that the automated guardians that the Dwemer left behind are keeping the Falmer from escaping the depths of the ruins, causing them to resort to digging tunnels and find other exits.[27]

During the events in *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*, the Dragonborn, while seeking Auriel's Bow, meets two living snow elves. The first one, Knight-Paladin Gelebor, who owns the bow, believes that his brother, the other living Snow Elf, has been corrupted by the Falmer. Gelebor proposes to relinquish Auriel's Bow if the Dragonborn defeats his brother and ends his reign of terror.

Gelebor also mentions that the Falmer are becoming more intelligent, and if a line of communication could be established, relations may improve. Furthermore, Gelebor hopes that the Falmer will one day end their ways of hatred, and even begin to worship Auri-El like the Snow Elves once did.[7]

## Religião

*Mais detalhes em: Panteão Falmer*
During the Merethic Era, the elves erected monuments and shrines dedicated to their gods. Some of these gods are common Aldmeri gods, such as Mara. However, their chief-deity was Auri-El, also known as Akatosh.[7] One such monument is known as the Chantry of Auri-El, this monument was originally so large it covered an entire valley.[4] This chantry may have also been the epicenter of the Snow Elf religion, having several rituals for initiates who sought out enlightenment.[7]

Following the regression of their race into the malevolent Falmer, many of the elven priests, known as Prelates, were killed during Falmer raids. Subsequently, according to Gelebor, Auri-El *evoked* their spirits, allowing them to continue their work in Tamriel as "spectral Prelates" at the wayshrines.

One of the rituals of the Snow Elves required the initiates to visit each of these wayshrines on their paths to enlightenment.[7]

It appears that these 'spectral Prelates' are unaware of the disrepair of the chantry and will not respond to anyone, unless that person is on the path of the initiate, and possesses the Initiate's Ewer.[4]

According to Knight Paladin Gelebor, they worshiped the following gods:[7]

* Auri-El
* Trinimac
* Syrabane
* Jephre
* Phynaster

## Elfos da Neve de Destaque

* Cavaleiro-Paladino Gelebor
* Arqui-Curado Vyrthur
* Faire Agarwen
* Mirtil Angoth
* Engwe Emeloth
* Parnion Saldor
* Snow Prince
* Prelate Athring
* Prelate Celegriath
* Prelate Edhelbor
* Prelate Nirilor
* Prelate Sidanyis

## Curiosidades

* The race "Snow Elves" was added to *Skyrim*'s common races with the *Dawnguard* expansion as `SnowElfRace`.
* Brynjolf claims to sell Falmer Blood Elixir during the quest "A Chance Arrangement."[28]

## Aparições

* *The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall* (Mentioned only)
* *The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon* (Mentioned only)
* *The Elder Scrolls Travels: Dawnstar*
* *The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey*
* *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* (Mentioned only)
* *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* (Mentioned only)

* + *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*
* *The Elder Scrolls Online* (Mentioned only)[18]

## Fontes

* "Ancient Falmer Tomes"
	+ *Unknown Book, Vol. I*, translated into *The Betrayed*
	+ *Unknown Book, Vol. II*, translated into *Journal of Mirtil Angoth*
	+ *Unknown Book, Vol. III*, translated into the *Diary of Faire Agarwen*
	+ *Unknown Book, Vol. IV*, translated into *Touching the Sky*

## ReferencesEditar

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *King Edward, Book X*
2. ↑ *The Betrayed*
3. ↑ Ancient Falmer Armor
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Events in *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 *The Falmer: A Study*
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Dialogue with Enthir in *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*
7. ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.147.15 7.16 Dialogue with Knight-Paladin Gelebor in *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*
8. ↑ Events in *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*
9. ↑ *Frontier, Conquest*
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 *Night of Tears*
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 *Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Skyrim*
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 *Fall of the Snow Prince*
13. ↑ *Night of Tears*
14. ↑ *Aevar Stone-Singer*
15. ↑ *Journal of Mirtil Angoth*
16. ↑ *The Battle of Red Mountain*
17. ↑ *Nerevar at Red Mountain*
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Ask us Anything: Variety Pack 2
19. ↑ Dialogue with Arch-Curate Vyrthur in *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*
20. ↑ Dialogue with Serana in *The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard*
21. ↑ Observations of Falmer activity around Chillwind Depths
22. ↑ Observations around Adventurer's Campsite
23. ↑ *Torn Note*
24. ↑ *Adventurer's Journal*
25. ↑ *Merchant's Journal*
26. ↑ Events during the quest "Frostflow abyss
27. ↑ Observation of Falmer activity within the Dwemer ruins
28. ↑ Overhearing Brynjolf's distraction in "A Chance Arrangement"

* *Imperial Report on Saarthal*
* *Before the Ages of Man*