Best Elves In Anime

Summary

• Anime elves are explored in various genres, showcasing both dark and comedic sides.
• Notable elves include a Tsundere Elf, Leefa from SAO, and an iconic anime elf, Deedlit.
• Frieren stands out as an ultimate elf character by delving deep into the complexities of being an elf, including appreciating time.

Anime elves have reached a new peak in popularity as more stories explore the ups and downs of the fantasy race. Sure, elves have an incredibly long lifespan, but that can also leave them prone to being left alone in the end. Not every story dips into the darker side of elves, some are great for comedy.

As long as the fantasy genre has been a thing, elves have always had a presence. With large pointy ears and an affinity for magic or archery, they are a valuable member of any party looking for adventure. From video game avatars to thought-provoking personalities, these are the top elves you’ll find on the anime shelves.

10

Tsundere Elf – Uncle From Another World

An Elf With No Name

In Isekai Ojisan, Tsundere Elf joins Ojisan in his travels after he gets isekaid into her world. Despite their long travels, her true name is never revealed, but she is given the nickname Sui. Together they bicker and banter, but in reality, Sui has fallen for her traveling companion.

When Ojisan returns to the human world, he is still oblivious to Sui’s feelings and still believes that she hates him. In fact, he doesn’t even remember what happened to her at the end of their journey. Though it is heavily implied that she sacrificed herself to get him home.

9

Leefa – Sword Art Online

Hiding Behind An Avatar

Leefa isn’t necessarily an elf. However, Sword Art Online often treats its characters and the avatars they choose to use as one and the same. During the initial survival games from the first arc of Sword Art Online, Kirito’s sister, Suguha, dives into the world of VR games to better understand her brother.

In doing so, she becomes Leefa. As an elf, Leefa meets with Kirito during his quest to find Asuna, with neither aware of the other’s identity. This allows both of them to become closer to each other, though Leefa tries to use Kirito as a way to move on from her feelings in the real world.

8

Marcille Donato – Dungeon Meshi

Anime’s Pickiest Eater

Marcille Donato is one of the most iconic Elves to come out of the 2024 lineup of anime. Always playing the role of the only one in Laios’s party that wants to eat normal food, her reactions are priceless as she is forced to eat monsters during their travels.

Marcille is more than a funny joke character though, since her status as an Elf also fuels her fear of losing those close to her due to time. She also has an unbreakable bond with her party despite the strange meals Laios cooks with Senji.

7

Sylphie – Jobless Reincarnation

Growing Beyond Her Past

Sylphie deserves better. As a child growing up, she was constantly bullied until Rudeus stepped in. Even then, things didn’t always go smoothly. After Rudeus leaves, she receives a major glow up, having focused more on improving her magic skills.

Sylphies’ less than happy backstory makes you want to root for her even as she takes Rudeus as a husband and eventually has a child with him. Throughout her journey, she works up the courage to become more assertive in what she wants in life as well as standing her own ground when necessary.

6

High Elf Archer – Goblin Slayer

The Fight Against Goblins

Goblins are not as easy to deal with as the fantasy genre often makes them out to be. In groups, they can be dangerous and one slayer in particular seeks to exterminate them all. In his party is a High Elf Archer with precision skills and a stubborn personality.

Over 2000 years old, this elf is a master of long-range combat. Despite how dark the world can get, she still enjoys the thrill of adventure. She even shows a keen interest in finding out what the Goblin Slayer looks like underneath his helmet.

5

Emilia – RE: Zero

A Determined Half Elf

If you follow anime discourse, then you’ve probably heard the iconic line from Subaru, “I love Emilia”. It is a heartbreaking moment, but this is the Emilia being referenced. This is the first person that Subaru meets after being summoned from his normal life on Earth and the main love interest for the Isekai protagonist.

After becoming frozen alongside the rest of the forest, she was left there for 100 years, until her reawakening. With an energetic and hopeful nature, she is determined to change a world that can be quite judgmental at times over her half-elf lineage. She is also able to communicate with spirits and control ice.

4

Nephilia – An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How To Love Your Elf Bride

A Cute And Awkward Elf

Originally a slave that was set free, Nephilia takes some time to get accustomed to the Archdemon, Zagred. Eventually, the two get married, but it isn’t the last of their troubles. As Nephilia masters her holy magic, this makes her a target throughout the story for those who want to steal her power.

Luckily, most of her experiences are peaceful despite her backstory. Her quirky and sometimes awkward interactions with Zagred make her a memorable elf who might just make the viewer fall in love as well.

3

Fiel Nirvalen – No Game No Life

The Mastermind Beneath

By all means, Fiel Nirvalen is a character you would most likely let your guard down for. She often comes off as an airhead, but underneath her antics, she is also one of the most calculating characters in the series, only matched by Sora and Shiro.

Fiel is an excellent strategist when it comes to games and can even get a bit sadistic at times when forcing her enemies to submit. However, she has a soft spot for her companion Chlammy, who she is willing to throw games for if it would benefit her.

2

Deedlit – Record Of Lodoss War

An Iconic 90s Elf

Not every anime elf is from a contemporary anime. For some, you need to go back to the early 90s. Record of Lodoss War has some of the coolest fantasy monsters that are both highly detailed and sometimes terrifying. Deedlit, on the other hand, is a light throughout the adventure, as she can be graceful but sometimes silly.

This is due to Deedlit’s backstory and sheltered life within her home, the Forest of No Return. This makes her incredibly curious about the world around her during her travels with Parn.

1

Frieren – Frieren, Beyond Journey’s End

Learning To Appreciate Time

Frieren is the ultimate elf character in all of anime. This is because the character explores more than just the surface level of being an elf. Having lived for over a thousand years, Frieren must learn to appreciate those around her before they are gone.

Due to her warped perception of time, this can be difficult for her. However, she is always finding new ways to remember her old companions while finding new reasons to appreciate her current party as they take a journey after her original has long come to a close.