Basic Information

• Name: Corellon Larethian
• Domains: Elves, Magic, Music, Arts, Crafts, Warfare, Beauty, Nature
• Alignment: Chaotic Good
• Symbol: A silver crescent moon or a starburst

Corellon is the patron god of the elven race, embodying their grace, creativity, and connection to the natural world. He is revered as the creator of the elves and a champion of beauty, magic, and freedom.

History and Mythology

Corellon Larethian is one of the oldest and most powerful deities in the Forgotten Realms pantheon. His myths are central to elven culture and history.

• Creation of the Elves: According to legend, Corellon created the elves from his own blood and tears, granting them grace, longevity, and a deep bond with nature.
• Battle with Gruumsh: Corellon’s rivalry with Gruumsh, the orc god, is legendary. In a mythic duel, Corellon gouged out one of Gruumsh’s eyes, symbolizing the eternal conflict between elves and orcs.
• Leader of the Seldarine: Corellon leads the Seldarine, the elven pantheon, which includes deities like Sehanine Moonbow (goddess of the moon) and Labelas Enoreth (god of time).
• Time of Troubles: During this period of divine upheaval, Corellon walked the mortal world, aiding his people and reinforcing their cultural identity.

Corellon is often depicted as an androgynous figure with flowing hair and a crown of stars, symbolizing his mastery of magic, music, and warfare.

Worshipers and Church Structure

Corellon’s followers are primarily elves, though his worship extends to other races who value art, magic, and beauty. His church is decentralized, reflecting the elven love of freedom and creativity.

• Clergy: Priests of Corellon, known as Arcanists or Artisans, are often skilled in magic, music, or craftsmanship.
• Temples: Elven temples to Corellon are often open-air structures or intricately carved woodland shrines, blending seamlessly with nature.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals involve music, dance, and artistic expression, celebrating the changing seasons and elven history.
• Festivals like the Grand Revel honor Corellon’s gifts of creativity and magic.

The church places a strong emphasis on personal expression and the protection of elven culture and lands.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: Arvandor, located on the plane of Arborea, is Corellon’s domain. It is a breathtaking realm of forests, mountains, and rivers, embodying the elven ideal of harmony with nature.
• Sacred Locations:
• The High Forest: An ancient woodland on the Sword Coast, home to many elves and a center of Corellon’s worship.
• Myth Drannor: The ruins of this elven city are a pilgrimage site, symbolizing both the glory and tragedy of elven history.
• Evermeet: A distant island kingdom, considered the spiritual heart of elvenkind and a refuge for Corellon’s faithful.

These sites are often centers of elven culture, magic, and history, attracting pilgrims and adventurers alike.

Gameplay Mechanics

Corellon’s influence extends into gameplay, particularly for elven characters and those tied to magic or the arts:

• Cleric Domains: Arcana, Life, Light, War
• Favored Weapon: Longsword
• Divine Boons: Followers might gain abilities like Elven Accuracy (advantage on Dexterity-based checks) or Arcane Insight (bonuses to spellcasting).
• Artifacts: Legendary items such as the Moonblade or Corellon’s Tear are tied to his divine power.

Campaign Hooks

• Elven Heritage: Adventurers might seek to recover lost elven artifacts or defend elven communities from orcish invasions.
• Artistic Pursuits: Quests could involve creating or protecting works of art, music, or magic in Corellon’s name.
• Divine Rivalries: Players might thwart the schemes of Gruumsh’s followers or other enemies of the elves.

Summary

Corellon Larethian is the heart of elven identity in the Forgotten Realms, a god of beauty, magic, and freedom. On the Sword Coast, his influence is felt in every elven glade and ancient ruin, from the High Forest to the remnants of Myth Drannor. For players and Dungeon Masters, Corellon offers rich opportunities to explore themes of creativity, heritage, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.