Eldar (Warhammer 40,000)

Eldar (Warhammer 40,000)

The Eldar are a race of elf like beings who inhabit the fictional universe of the game Warhammer 40,000, a 1987 tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop, set in a dystopian science-fantasy universe. Based around the general roleplaying and fantasy-game concept of Elves as conceived in Lord of the Rings, the Eldar concept has been heavily adapted to create a futuristic space-faring race complete with their own unique history, mythology and culture. Like their original inspiration, the Eldar are portrayed as a insular race who may even be on the brink of extinction. In Warhammer 40K, they are used to reflect humanities more-decadent and artistically cultural aspects, with all the flaws of vice, arrogance and obsession heavily exaggerated to bring the species character in line with the gothic universe's mythology. Their armies, as fielded in the tabletop and computer games, usually have the advantages of speed and technology, composed of highly specialised units that have turned specific, the Craftworld Eldar (often simply called Eldar), and the Dark Eldar.

Each faction has had several rule books or codexes released for them, culminating in the present 5th Edition of Warhammer 40K, which includes an individual rule book for both the Craftworld Eldar and Dark Eldar. Other Eldar factions also exist within both the game narrative and, to some extent, its rule system, with Harlequins being reintroduced in 5th Edition with entries in both the Craftword and Dark Eldar codexes. Forge World, a partner company to Games Workshop, has also produced material and games rules covering further concepts, such as the Eldar Corsairs and expanding on material for existing armies. Further unofficial lists for groups such as the Harlequins, a faction of Eldar who used to have their own army list in earlier editions of the Warhammer 40K game, are also available online.

Some characters and related events are described, below, using in-universe tone.