Elves

Elves were the first race created by the Ancients, and it was their creation which led to the beginning of the First Age. Elves were the single-most powerful Race throughout the First and Second Age. However, after the War of Divines, the Elves were left in very few numbers and to prevent a human invasion they closed their borders in an attempt to hide how bad their position really was.

Creation
It is popular belief that elves were created by the Ancients out of simple curiosity, and their creation led to the beginning of the First Age. When created, Elves were granted immortality, However, the Ancients creations were imperfect, and unlike Ancients, were able to die if they were mortally wounded.

The first Elf, Izinagi was created out of sugercane in the image of the Ancients. Izinagi after realizing he was the only of his kind begged the Ancients to give him companionship. The Ancients did take pity on Izinagi however, and gave him a spouse, Izinami. Izinagi soon became discontented however, and wished to have as many Elven brothers and sisters as the Ancients did. The Ancients thought ill of allowing this to happen but were eventually convinced. However, rather than create their own number, the Ancients created Eight, and gave them the ability to reproduce, an ability even they themselves did not have.