Elves are the fairest and wisest of all creatures in Middle-earth. They are generally taller than Men. They are lovers of Art (particularly songs, which they sing in beautiful voices). The oldor in particular possess skills and knowledge which to Men appear to be "magic." Their memories and dreams are as vivid as real life. Elves can "sleep" without physically sleeping by indulging in deep thought ("waking dreams"), even as they move about. Elves are also generally stronger than Men and have far sharper senses, especially eyesight. Their most notable feature is their natural immortality, which makes them appear ageless to mortal eyes (though they did age, after their own fashion). In addition to their immortality, Elves were granted invulnerability to diseases, and they could recover from wounds which would normally kill a mortal Man.

However, Elves can be slain, or die of grief and weariness. If this happens their spirits (far) go to the Halls of Mandos in Valinor.  After a certain period of time and rest that serves as "cleansing", their spirits are clothed in bodies (hrar) identical to their old ones  and stay in Valinor forevermore. 




