Aen Seidhe

Lore & Background

For eons, they ruled the land with grace and sorcery, building cities that touched the clouds. The Conjunction shattered their world, bringing humans who lacked magic but possessed overwhelming numbers. Unlike the Aen Elle, who are not described as being present before the Conjunction in established canon, the Aen Seidhe arrived before it. They did not create the first witcher—that experiment was conducted by the human mage Alzur, using human subjects and elven mutagens, long after the Conjunction. Their society fractured under pressure as resources dwindled and trust eroded between clans. Many fled into hiding or retreated to remote strongholds to preserve their ancient knowledge from human exploitation. This era marks the tragic end of their political dominance on the Continent.

In Their Own Story

An elf warrior stands on a cliff watching the sky bleed colors. The air smells of ozone and blood. She knows the old songs are ending as the stars shift in the heavens above her crumbling home.

Reader's Guide

The Aen Seidhe represent the original inhabitants of the Continent, a race defined by their longevity and deep connection to magic. Before the Conjunction of Spheres, they lived in advanced city-states filled with towering architecture and arcane wonders. Their primary goal during the events of Blood Origin is survival against the chaotic forces unleashed by the dimensional collision. Members include warriors, mages, and leaders who strive to maintain their culture amidst the encroachment of human kingdoms. They view humans as invaders initially, though alliances form out of necessity. The faction plays a crucial role in the creation of the first Witcher, utilizing forbidden blood magic to craft a monster hunter capable of surviving the new world. Their decline marks the transition from an Elven golden age to the era seen in later Witcher stories. They are neither purely good nor evil but are tragic figures fighting for relevance in a changing universe. Understanding their struggle provides context for the racial tensions that define the Continent's history.

Did You Know?

• Their name translates roughly to 'People of the Elves' in Elder Speech.
• They possess natural resistance to magic compared to humans.
• The Aen Seidhe did not create the first Witcher; that was the work of the human mage Alzur, using human subjects and elven mutagens.