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== History ==
The first Elderlings came into existence when primitive humans living in the [[Rain Wilds]] area began to mingle their society with that of the dragons’dragons. Those who developed bonds with dragons began to adopt some of the larger beast’s physical and mental characteristics.
Elderlings became assistants to the dragons, aiding in the care of dragon eggs and ensuring the survival of the dragon species. In return, they developed extended lifespans, and were able to cultivate an advanced civilization amongst the Rain Wilds.
== Civilization ==
The Elderlings built their cities as large communal houses, with chambers and halls linking rooms like a catacomb or labyrinth. They relied on [[jizdin]], a glowing jewel metal with unique properties, hammered into strips, to provide light in their halls. Elderlings fostered the dragon eggs, constructing birthing halls where young dragons were hatched under the watchful eye eyes of their parents and Elderling caretakers.
Little else is known about Elderling society, except that theirs was prosperous and highly advanced. They possessed a unique quality of magic with which they created their society. It is known they valued music, theatre and traditional arts.
== In the Farseer Trilogy ==
Elderlings are first introduced to the story in a tapestry in [[Fitz]]'s bedroom, which depicts King [[Wisdom]] greeting an Elderling. It is believed by the characters of the Farseer Trilogy that the Elderlings are the mammoth [[stone-dragon|stone beasts ]] that come to the aid of the [[Six Duchies]] against the [[Red Ship Raiders]]. These stone creatures, sleeping in a vast garden hidden in the [[Mountain Kingdom]], are in fact a revered form of Elderling art. Elderlings discovered that by carving dragon forms out of memory stone and filling them with memory, they would eventually take flight for a brief period of time. The practice was seen as a way to honour dragons.
== In the Liveship Traders ==
'''The Elderling Queen'''
A tapestry in the ruins of [[Frengong]] depicts a young Elderling queen with a large, scarlet scar upon her forehead. Malta Vestrit severely injures her head on the night of [[Bingtown]]’s uprising, leaving her with a similar crest. Reyn describes Malta as “crowned”, and the dragon Tintaglia later refers to Malta as “rewarded” with “the scarlet crest”crest."
== Known Elderlings ==