The Elves (Quendi) awoke under the starlight of the Years of the Trees and they are the oldest race in Middle-earth.
What differentiates them from Men and Dwarves is immortality.
Oromë named them Eldar, People of the Stars, after hearing them singing.
The Elves are the first children of Iluvatar and are allowed to live in Valinor with Valar and Maiar.
