10 Badass Video Game Elves That Would Take Over the North Pole

Image via Complex Original

Appeared In: Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows (2005)

After giving fans several Gauntlet games where the elf was replaced by the archer, Midway Games finally brought the former back. And they made him a bonafide badass. The green, Robin Hood-esque suit has been replaced with a dark purple one, giving the elf, Idain, a more menacing look. And with his new look comes some distinguishable characteristics such as, quick speed and a fast bow hand. Sure, his armor, strength and magic is average, but let's be real: you would not want to cross this guy in a dark alley...or magical forest. Especially considering he's taken down everything from a large Scarecrow to a huge, flaming demon.

Appeared In: The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard (2012)

Of course Gelebor is after his brother. Although Gelebor would end up focusing more on physical attacks and weaponry (unlike his brother who would focus more on spell-based attacks), he ends up becoming one of the coolest elves in The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard. For one, he cannot be attacked. He's on Based God / Dalai Lama levels of pacifism, with arrows, spells and weapons appearing to simply pass through him. Why? It's never been directly addressed. (One discussion from The Elder Scrolls Wikipedia page states that Gelebor is immune to all attacks because of his blessing by Auri-El.) He's also dedicated to protecting the Wayshrines within the Chantry, and prays to Auriel every day. He's a balanced and composed elf who, low-key, is incredibly powerful. It's always the silent ones that are the most deadly and Gelebor is proof of this.

Appeared In: Tales of Vesperia (2008)

The Tales video game series has often incorporated elves, but most of them fail to leave an impression. That is until Judith came along. This elf will never turn down a fight; she utilizes spears and staves to attack her enemies from a distance, and her speed allows her to attack someone multiple times before they even realize what's happening. Sure, she lacks magic-based artes, but when you can kick someone's ass while airborne, does it really matter? Judith uses everything--even her alluring figure--to her advantage. In the words of the great Fergie: "You can look but you can't touch it / If you touch it I'm a start some drama." You don't want the drama with Judith--at all.

Appeared In: The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard (2012)

What's not to like about a half vampire, half elf hybrid? As one of the last living Snow Elves in The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard (prior to his brother, Knight-Paladin Gelebor, sending you to kill him), Vyrthur proves just how formidable of an opponent he can be through his use of powerful spells. Casting spells such as Icy Spear and Frosting Cloak, Vyrthur makes you reconsider ever making him move from his throne. And, similar to Aranea, he can summon Frost Atronachs. And to think you were about to make fun of how pale he is.

Appeared In: Lord of the Rings: The Third Age (2004)

For those that have never picked up a Lord of the Rings novel, Legolas is more than a pretty boy elf portrayed by Orlando Bloom. He's kind and compassionate, but cross him and it's likely that you'll have a dagger forced into your chest. (Or an arrow shot from afar if you're lucky.) Not only does Legolas own a bow that can shoot an arrow over 400 yards (watch video game footage from Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, and be grateful that you're not on the receiving end of one of Legolas's rapid fire arrows), he can also hold his own against a horde of Uruk-hai. Maybe you should think twice before calling Legolas "Goldilocks" again. Unless the poison from a poisonous arrow coursing through your veins sounds pleasurable to you.

Appeared In: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II (2006)

Another pretty boy elf that shouldn't be taken lightly, Glorfindel manages to survive the most unfathomable battles while still maintaining an incredible head of Pantene Pro-V worthy hair. Seriously: in The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II, Glorfindel (with the help of other Elves) slays a Wyrm, a Watcher in the Water and a dragon. He makes it look easy, and still has energy left over to heal and strengthen his allies. And to top it all off he prophesies the Witch-king of Angmar's defeat. Seriously, it has to be his hair that grants him these abilities. (Just kidding. Ok, not really.)

Appeared In: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

She's a mage--what more is there to say? The priestess of Azura made a memorable debut in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, for her manipulation of sorcery and short but chuckle-worthy commentary. (Pushing a mage has never been so fun.) From frying enemies with lightning bolts to impaling them with ice spikes, Aranea proved that she could hold her own against one, two or several enemies. She can even summon Antronachs, and if you're familiar with those (especially the Frost ones), you're already aware of the damage they can deal. It's somewhat reassuring that Aranea cannot marry. One wrong move by her spouse and they'd be getting their jaw dislocated by a fist full of ice.

Appeared In: World of Warcraft (2004)

It's basically a fact that anybody with an eyepatch is probably a badass. Think about it: Big Boss, Sagat, Nick Fury and World of Warcraft's Lor'themar Theron. The once High elf, now Blood elf, is an ominous-looking individual, but really he's like a teddy bear...with glowing eyes, crimson armor and a sword that could probably cut an average human in half like a slice of bread. Although Theron would ultimately exchange his days as a ranger to become a ruler, the elf still enjoys a good fight. He can take on multiple enemies at once, and utilize attacks with a radius of 20 to 50 yards. Once again, Theron is another gifted elf whose powers must come from his hair. Why else would he say, "Do not touch the hair"?

Appeared In: The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn (2012)

What's great about Neloth is that, personality-wise, he's nothing like any of the elves on this list. Aside from the fact that he is a wizard-lord and one of the most respected members of House Telvanni, his eccentric and self-absorbed attitude makes him wildly entertaining. He's charming in a way: he'll respond to your attempts to pickpocket him with subtle threats ("I wouldn't if I were you. A wizard's pockets can be more dangerous than a dragon's mouth"), forget which of his stewards are alive or dead ("Where is that lazy steward of mine? Varona! No, wait. She's dead. Drovas") and request your body parts for one of his many creations ("Do you need all of your toes? I could really use a fresh toe for...nevermind. You aren't moldy enough"). At least if you do happen to cross Neloth he'll probably make you laugh before setting you on fire, electrocuting you or doing something else that'll ruin your life.

Appeared In: Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (2008)

Look at him. Have you ever seen an elf that looks like this? He could double as the mascot for a black metal band. As the supreme commander of the Dark Elf army, Malekith's only desire and goal is to control and overpower the High Elves. Malekith's obsession with power is what makes him so badass and miserable. He's practically Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning's Darth Vader. In trying to become the new Phoenix King, Malekith tried to prove his worthiness for the crown by marching into the Sacred Flame of the God Asuryan. The Sacred Flames left him horribly injured, which resulted in him being put in the black armour. And that's not your average black armour. It's made up of dark runes and glyphs of powerful chaos magic. In other words, Malekith is--in every aspect--the lord of the Dark Elves. Sure, if such a person existed, most of the world would probably be imprisoned by him. But hey, at least he looks awesome.