The Evanuris

The elven pantheon, also known in elven as the Evanuris, is a pantheon of ancient deities comprised of five gods and four goddesses, whom the modern Dalish elves call "the Creators."

The pantheon is said to be led by Elgar'nan the All-Father, God of fatherhood and vengeance, and Mythal the Protector, Goddess of motherhood and justice.

Interestingly, elven belief holds that—though the elven gods are credited with creating the gifts of the world (and in some cases for recreating the world itself)—they, too, were borne of the earth and are not considered responsible for its initial creation.

History

Long before humans rose to prominence, before the Chantry or the Old Gods, Thedas was ruled by the ancient elves. Their civilization stretched across the continent under the guidance of powerful beings known as the Evanuris. Revered as gods by the elves, the Evanuris embodied various aspects of existence, from justice and creation to secrets and death. Under their rule, the elves built an unrivaled empire.

Initially, the Evanuris were seen as benevolent protectors and creators. Elves worshipped them through rituals, offerings, and elaborate temples, believing their favor ensured prosperity among their people. However, as time passed, the Evanuris grew prideful and tyrannical, their power struggles fracturing elven society. Their dominance eventually turned oppressive, marked by cruelty, enslavement, and internecine conflict.

The chaos reached its peak when Fen'Harel—the trickster god known as the Dread Wolf—rose against his fellow gods. Recognizing the destruction brought by the Evanuris' ambition, Fen'Harel deceived them, sealing both them and their most dangerous adversaries, the Forgotten Ones, away in eternal imprisonment. However, this action had unforeseen consequences. The Veil was erected, separating Thedas from the Fade, and the elves, cut off from their magic, immortality, and gods, faced rapid decline, their great empire crumbling into ruin.

The Dalish elves continue to honor the pantheon through oral traditions and rituals, seeking to preserve their lost heritage. Meanwhile, other elves know little if anything about the Evanuris.

Core Beliefs

The Dalish still worship and preserve the lore of the Evanuris. The pantheon is many, each with specific duties.

Elgar'nan, the God of Vengeance. Also known as the All-Father, they represent fatherhood and vengeance, and are the mythical head of the pantheon.
Mythal, the Great Protector. The All-Mother and goddess of love, she is the other head of the pantheon, leading alongside Elgar'nan.
Falon'Din, the Guide. The one who guides the dead to the Beyond.
Dirthamen, Keeper of Secrets. The elven god of secrets and knowledge.
Andruil, Goddess of the Hunt. Also known as "blood and force", "The Lady of Fortune", she grants strength and clarity.
Sylaise, the Hearthkeeper. The goddess of all the domestic arts.
June, Master of Crafts. He taught elves to make bows, arrows, and knives to hunt Adruil's gifts.
Ghilan'nain, Mother of the Halla. Overseer of the white and deer-like creatures revered by the Dalish, she is also the goddess of navigation.
Fen'Harel, the Dread Wolf. An enigmatic trickster god who is the cause of Arlathan's destruction.

I asked him about the intricate tattoos on his face; he told me they were called vallaslin—"blood writing." His were symbols of Andruil the Huntress, one of the most highly revered elven goddesses.