War of the Seldarine

During the time of the Dawn Ages came the War of the Seldarine. There are two versions of the tale, one recorded by Elven history, and another recorded by the wizard, Mordenkainen.

Through Elvish history, Aruashnee[1] with the help of her son, Vhaeraun, gathered a group of evil deities to oppose the Seldarine, convincing them to attack Avandor[2], in an attempt to overthrow Corellon[3]. During this assault, Ghaunadaur[4] joined the fray with no need to be prompt by any force. However, Aruashnee was calculating in her plan. She never believed that her attack on Avandor would be successful, in fact she expected that it would fail. What she was looking to accomplish was that Corellon’s consort to be killed during the battle so that she could replace him as Coronal[5] of Arvandor. She was able to trick Eilistraee into dangerously injuring her own father, but that plan was thwarted by Sehanine Moonbow[6], saving his life. Aerdrie[7], Hanali[8] and Sehanine came together to heal Corellon of his injury. This allowed them to become a single deity, Angharradh, and served alongside Corellon as the Queen of Arvandor. Soon after the events of Aruashnee’s betrayal, she was banished by Corellon and turned into a tanar’ri[9], taking the name of Lolth. Her son, Vhaeraun was simply exiled from Arvandor. Eilistraee was a bit of a different case, although she was cleared from all guilt of what she did to Corellon, she chose to share her mother and brother’s punishment of exile, knowing that the Drow would need her light in the time to come.

The other version of this history as recorded by the wizard Mordenkainen is a little different to that of which the Elves tell. As he’s written: all Elves, including the ones who would become the deities known as the Seldarine and the Dark Seldarine, emerged from the blood that Corellon lost in a fight against the Orc God, Gruumsh. Like their God, the first Elves had shape-changing powers, and freedom with them. The Protector[10] took some favourites among the Elves, which were made into deities: among them, Lolth was the most privileged. Seeing that other races made something out of their lives, Lolth made the argument that the Elves should do the same by casting off their shape-changing powers in exchange of a fixed form, allowing them to gain dominion over everything. All Elves agreed to choose such a form, but Corellon was revolted by their decision and rallied against Lolth. Corellon was stopped by the argument that no one of his blood should be attacked. While he pondered this argument, Lolth took the opportunity to attempt to murder him. Realising the extent of Lolth’s betrayal, many of the Elves intervened to stop her, but there were still some that remained loyal to her, the latter became the Dark Elves and their Gods, while Lolth went on to become a Demon Lord of the Abyss, making the 66th layer of the Abyss – otherwise known as the Demonweb Pits – her now home. Eilistraee was the exception in this version, as she did not side with Lolth in the betrayal of Corellon, or act against him, but she still chose to follow the Dark Elves in exile.

[1] Later and more commonly known as Lolth.

[2] The Homeplane of the Elves/Seldarine.

[3] The ruler and God of all Elves.

[4] The God of Abominations.

[5] An Elvish title for a monarch.

[6] Goddess of Moonlight.

[7] Goddess also known as the Lady of Air and Wind.

[8] Goddess of Love and Beauty.

[9] Another name for a demon.

[10] This is a title of the God, Corellon.