Kaldorei


 * This page is about the ancient night elves. For modern night elves and general history, see night elf.

The kaldorei were a race of nocturnal, feral nomadic humanoids that once lived in the jungles of the former continent of Kalimdor, at the time the sole continent of Azeroth. They were considered the greatest tribe in the land. They journeyed around the continent eager to uncover secrets hidden in dark places. At some point, they were drawn to the shimmering power of the Well of Eternity. They named the continent Kalimdor and settled near the vortex of cosmic energy. They adopted the name kaldorei meaning "children of the stars" in their native tongue. After several ages spent in peace and learning, the kaldorei grew in power and wisdom so that they soon outstripped the other humanoid races of Azeroth. Their kingdom had now become an empire. The kaldorei would later be known as the night elves.

After the War of the Ancients, they sought to rebuild a new kaldorei empire.

Culture
The kaldorei venerated the moon goddess, Elune, even before they settled around the Well of Eternity. They believed she dwelled within it during the day and would arise from it at night.

Terminology
Kaldorei is a Darnassian word meaning "children of the stars". It can also be interpreted as "people of the stars". It can refer to the tribe which existed before the night elves, to the night elves themseleves, and sometimes to the Highborne.

The kaldorei race includes both the night elves as a whole and the Highborne (quel'dorei) upper class.

The naga are cursed Highborne who were smashed to the bottom of the sea at the end of the War of the Ancients.

Speculation
Perhaps the early kaldorei race's tribe were the mysterious dark elves.

There is also speculation (and hints in official lore) that the night elves are descended from trolls. Their description as having been tribal, feral humanoids is consistent with the traits of dark trolls, which can be found near the night elf homelands. Also, dark trolls and night elves have much in common physically, namely height, build, similar skin colouration, and long, pointed ears (a trait shared between trolls and elves, and races descended from elves, but not found in any other races of Azeroth). Also both are nocturnal (which is not a standard Troll trait).