Religon in the Ancient Order of Elves

By nature, Elves are spiritual beings with a powerful and everlasting connection to the Valar. Thus, spirituality is of outmost importance to all Elves. Yet, Elven spirituality varies greatly from Elf to Elf. Some Elves feel that worship is a matter between one's self and their patron Vala. As such, these Elves perform personal ceremonies and speak seldom of the Valar, but their love and respect for their gods is very profound and they will voice their displeasure should a creature offend the principles or the name of the Valar. On the other hand, some Elves feel that the proper right to honor the Valar is through formal worship. Engaging in formal rites and ceremonies (be it at capacity of priest - should they have joined the path of the Temple - or at capacity of participant - through prayer and offerings), the Elves show their love and devotion to the Valar.

Whereas in other cultures (such as Edanea, for example), the two ways of worship would be at odds, Elves have an unsaid mutual respect for both forms of worship. While an Elf might suggest that a friend or a loved one try a particular form of worship, no ill will be wished upon them if they refuse. Both consciously and unconsciously, Elves know that each of them has faith and love for the Valar. It is, for such reason, unheard of an Elf being called a heathen or persecuted for lack of belief. Even if the details that two Elves believe in do not match, they are still tied to the same celestial forces which make the world around them beautiful and alive.

Should an Elf abandon their faith in the Valar, they would no longer be considered a part of the elven family. It is the sole circumstance in which an Elf may be outcast and shunned for their belief. For to abandon faith in the divine is to abandon faith in all that is good and pure. An Elf who turns their back on the teachings of goodness and purity is evermore cursed to walk through Sosaria alone, shunned by all of Ilùvatar's creatures.

That is not to say that Elves would never have a moment of questioning their beliefs. Elves do not follow the Valar blindly, for Elves have been given Will and Wisdom to perceive the actions of the celestial forces and examine them in detail. Because of this, Elves have far greater understanding of the mysteries of creation than other short-lived creatures do. Constant vigilance and questioning of belief also gives the Elves the ability to quickly perceive any deception or inconsistency in the actions of the Valar. For such, it is unheard of Elves being tricked by creatures into believing or following forged images of their gods. Though many have tried to present themselves as the Gods of the Elves, their efforts have been met with laughter and tips of swords.

Elves take great offense to creatures who go against the teachings and principles of the Valar, and thus often engage in purging the lands of such abominations. The vile creatures who have gone against Ilùvatar are hunted down and destroyed. Such is not because they do not share Elven beliefs, but because in forsaking the Valar, they have forsaken all that is good and life-preserving. These creatures have become a threat to the living and are not allowed to corrupt any more of Sosarian lands. As a result, Elves often group together to dispose of these abominations. At times, such is done not only to aid Sosaria, but to honor particular Valar during a religious holiday.

(Read more about the Elven history here)

More Information on the Elven Religion:

Creation of the Elves - The Valar - Holy Times of Reverence - Lesser Powers - Marriages - Deaths