List of Species in Magic: The Gathering - Elf

Elf

Native to Dominaria, Rath, Mirrodin, Ravnica, Lorwyn/Shadowmoor, the Naya shard of Alara, and Zendikar. Elves are green-aligned, humanoid bipeds appearing in most sets. Most elfish races resemble tall humans with pointed ears, though there are exceptions. The elves of Dominaria's Llanowar Forest are known for their white complexion and vivid red hair. The elves of Skyshroud have a gray stone like complexion. The elves of Mirrodin have a green complexion and feature natural metal elements, a trait common to most races of that plane. The proud elves of Lorwyn and Shadowmoor have long deer-like horns on their foreheads and hooves instead of feet (see Lys Alana Huntmaster). Whether lone or in an army, elves are a force to be reckoned with. Their zealous protection of the forests they live in is widely known as one of the most fundamentally natural concepts, and invading a forest guarded by elves is something few non-elf powers would even consider. Elves are only marginally stronger or faster than humans, but with a life span up to seven hundred years they normally have superior skill, knowledge and guile than any other humanoid being. Elves are a widespread race but not necessarily native to all forests; the Dominarian continent of Otaria had no elves until refugees from Llanowar took up residence in its Wirewood Forest after the Invasion.

Notable elves include Rofellos of Llanowar, who was made emissary to Yavimaya to guide its defenses and later served on the Weatherlight, and Eladamri of Skyshroud, who united the Rathi elf tribes against Crovax, the evincar of Rath, and later led the elves of Llanowar during the Phyrexian Invasion of Dominaria. Skyshroud was also the birthplace of Radha, Heir to Keld three centuries after the Invasion, a half-Keldon who went on to become a great Keldon warlord. Glissa Sunseeker of Mirrodin's Tangle Forest was the first Mirrodin native born with a planeswalker's spark and was instrumental in the defeat of Memnarch.

In the game, Elves are one of the most enduring creature types and the iconic green race. Their strong abilities often work well together, and their focus on resource acceleration, swarm tactics and endurance make them appealing to a wide variety of players. Elves still see some casual play in Extended decks, as well as in the Tribal format.

(Llanowar Elves, Wood Elves)