Alfheim

Alfheim is the realm of the elves where both Dark Elves and Light Elves reside. It is located on the branches of the world tree Yggdrasil and ruled by the god Freyr. It's described as a beautiful, shining world.

Land, climate, and notable features

Land: Alfheim is generally described as a realm of lush, natural beauty. It features vast forests with a rich network of waterways, including rivers and lakes, and rolling hills. Depending on the portrayal, it can have large, rocky landmasses and mountainous regions, or even include a city built in tree houses.

Climate: The climate is typically associated with traditional forest elements like seasons, with light filtering through trees and falling autumn leaves creating the atmosphere.

Notable features:

Architecture and environment: The environment is often described as pristine and magical, with harmonious ecosystems. Architecture is frequently depicted as being built into nature, such as Elven tree houses, with structures that respect the natural surroundings.

Light and magic: A central theme is the abundance of light, often described as being brighter than the sun itself, and magic, which is a natural force deeply connected to the environment.

Forests: Ancient and enormous trees are a defining feature, with some being large enough to be used as dwellings.

Waterways: Shimmering rivers and lakes are common features, sometimes with waterfalls and sacred groves.

Elven society: The land reflects Elven culture, with sacred cathedrals of leaves, statues, and relics scattered throughout the landscape.

How Alfheim is run

Governance: The realm is contested between the Light Elves and Dark Elves, who are locked in a civil war. The conflict stems from the Light Elves' construction of the Temple of Light to harness the realm's sacred light.

Environment: The over-use of the light by the Light Elves has turned parts of the realm into a storm-ridden wasteland, while the Dark Elves use "Hive matter" to counter it.

Trade, rivals, and heraldry

Even though the Light Elves and the Dark Elves are rivals in this realm and often break into wars for control over the Temple of Light, there are still elves who trade between each other. These are often places away from the Temple of Light where both Light and Dark elves live together in harmony to help each other out.

Who lives here

Light Elves are said to be beautiful beings associated with light and goodness.

Dark Elves are said to be the counterpart of the Light Elves and often dwell below the earth and have a dark skin.

Money and Status

There is no currency within Alfheim as all trades are done with equal value. Buildings are built with the resources found locally within the realm. There isn't really any status between the elves to see who is richer than others or has higher power, but instead it is split in two where Light Elves often see themselves as a higher status than the Dark Elves. While Dark Elves believe the Light Elves are abusing and corrupting the light, using it to gain power and create a barren, storm-ridden desert instead of the pure, dark realm they feel is the rightful state of Alfheim.