The Elder Scrolls: Explaining All the Different Types of Elves in the Franchise

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As all good RPGs should have, The Elder Scrolls series has plenty of playable races to choose from in its various games. Players can choose between «Manish» species like the Bretons, beast-like species such as the Argonians, or a range of Elven races, each with their own distinct visual characteristics and abilities. However, the Elder Scrolls franchise is vast, and there's over 10 different types of Elf across the five mainline entries and spinoffs, meaning there's a lot to remember.

The Elven races, also referred to as Mer, are some of the oldest races in all of Nirn, having lived there for centuries before Manish species roamed the planet. Over time, the different tribes of Mer began to split off, eventually creating their own factions, and gaining new sets of skills to survive on their own.

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The Aldmer, also known as the «First Folk,» are the very first Elven race, originally settling in the Summerset Isle during the Merethic Era. The Aldmer are widely considered to be the first highly intelligent race in Nirn, with the ancient Beast species refraining from using any forms of technology.

The Aldmer are all but gone in the modern age of the latest Elder Scrolls games, with their various factions splitting off and becoming their own types of Mer over time. But there is one Elven faction that strives to keep the Aldmeri traditions and way of life alive in the modern age.

The Altmer, also known as the «High Elves,» reside in the Summerset Isle, and can immediately be recognized from their golden complexion, and their tall stature. The High Elves have embraced their Aldmeri heritage, and aim to keep it very much alive, apparently going so far as to selectively breed to ensure that children pass