Elves Elfquest: Encyclopedia II - Elves Elfquest - Longevity

Elves Elfquest - Longevity

Most elves are effectively immortal unless killed in battle, or by disease or misadventure. The oldest known elf, Timmain, has lived at least 20,000 years by World of Two Moons reckoning (the length of the elves' presence on the planet). Wolfriders, however, because of their wolf blood, will eventually grow old and die - something that was forgotten during their conflict with humans because of the high mortality rate in that period. It is not known just how long a Wolfrider can live, but some have been known to survive for more than 1,200 years. This wolf trait can be removed by a healer, but such a profound excision of an inherent element of themselves is an option few Wolfriders find desirable. So far the only 'reverted' wolfriders are Skywise, in an act of desperation, and Windkin, who had his wolf blood removed in infancy. However, Suntop (later renamed Sunstream), though of Wolfrider descent, never had wolf blood; his twin sister Ember 'called' the wolf blood to herself in the womb.

After death an elf's immortal spirit survives. Most elfin spirits journey to the Palace of the High Ones, but some - particularly those of Wolfriders - remain to watch over their people.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Longevity", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki