The `en`i or Ice-elves were a subgroup of the Avari who inhabited the Northern Peninsula and parts of the Forodwaith and Barl Syrnac.They were often believed to have been descendants of the Hwendi and were divided into three tribes or groups:
- the Ugni'imi of the Blue Land
- the 'izdelai ('orelai or Aire'ei) of Myr, Urd, and Dír
- the Elves of Thûrlornar
A few wandering 'en'i had also entered the Forodwaith. Due to their cold northern homelands the Hwendi were also known as Firn- or Frost-Elves.
Detailed description[]
Culture[]
The 'en'i were a relatively primitive Taiga-nomad culture. They were hunters and gatherers who settled in small communities along river valleys or the coasts. Metalwork was largely alien to them as were buildings made of stone until they made ties to the Stiffbeard-Dwarves and befriended them.
Appearance[]
The 'en'i were small by elvish standard, sometimes barely reaching 5'7". They had ruddy or swarthy skin of dark hue, dark or grey eyes and mostly dark brown or black hair although sometimes copper tones could be found among them.
History[]
The Hwendi had separated themselves early from the other Elves of Cuivienen, moving northwards towards the great Wild woods. Soon they split and most of them returned to the south, becoming the Hwenti, Windan, but a few of them remained in the cold northern taiga-woods.
Language[]
The 'en'i spoke a peculiar Avarin dialect called `endïa or "Ugni'eth" (Ice-elvish). It was often thought to have originally been of the Tatyar family but also showed some elements usually associated with Nelyarin.Also it differed from both main dialects by its strange lack of initial consonants.
Notes[]
Original forms: Foredhil = Phorelai = 'orelai; Iaurwaith = Airewei = Aire'ei; Luindor = Ugnin'ôro; Luindrim = Ugni'imi; Mithrydhil = Mizdelai = 'izdelai; Quendi = 'uend'i