Elven History: The High Council of Elven Elders
Throughout the pages of Santa Claus Magazine, there are many mentions of the mysterious High Council of Elven Elders.
However, we recently discovered that many readers in the Human World are still unfamiliar with who the High Council truly are… and the extraordinary role they play within Elven society.
So today, we journey deeper into the hidden history of the Elves to uncover the truth behind one of the most powerful groups in existence.
Who Are The High Council of Elven Elders?
The High Council of Elven Elders is formed of twelve of the wisest and most powerful Elves in the world.
Unlike the Elves who live and work at Santa’s Village, the High Council reside far away in a secret location known only to a select few. Their home is said to be an ancient Elven castle standing upon a mist-covered island in the middle of a vast glass-like lake.
Even Santa Claus himself does not know its precise location.
The only way to reach the castle is by travelling through the magical pathways hidden deep within what Elves call The Enchanted Forest.
The Rulers of Elvenkind
To Elves, the High Council serve a role similar to that of kings, queens, governments, or world leaders in the Human World.
They oversee all Elven affairs across the globe — including the great Christmas operation here at Santa’s Village.
Although Santa and the Head Elf, Reino, manage the daily running of the North Pole, the authority of the High Council stands above them both.
In fact, every year during the month of May, Santa must travel alone to stand before the Council and seek their blessing for another year of Christmas operations.
Not All Elves Serve Christmas
One important thing many humans do not realise is that not all Elves live at the North Pole.
In truth, the vast majority of Elves live quietly in hidden communities around the world, living lives far removed from Christmas magic.
The High Council oversees all of these Elven communities, ensuring balance, order, and the protection of ancient magical traditions.
Ancient Beyond Measure
The High Council are believed to be thousands of years old.
No Elf has ever dared ask precisely how old they truly are, but they are known to be among the oldest living Elves in existence.
Over countless centuries, they have developed extraordinary wisdom, magical mastery, and a deep understanding of the world.
During the most difficult moments in Elven history, it is the High Council that Elves have turned to for guidance — and they have never failed us.
The Meaning of “Kuningas Tonttu”
Each member of the High Council carries an ancient ceremonial title.
The leader of the Council is known as Kuningas Tonttu.
The word Kuningas means “king” or “ruler,” whilst Tonttu is an ancient Elven word that roughly translates to “honourable Elf,” similar in meaning to Human titles such as “Sir” or “Lord.”
Despite the title, all twelve members of the Council hold equal voting power.
Only in the event of a tied decision does Kuningas Tonttu cast the deciding vote.
The Ceremonial Robes of the Council
On the rare occasions when the High Council appear in public, they wear magnificent ceremonial robes unlike anything seen elsewhere in the Elven world.
Their robes are deep green, decorated with shimmering gold embroidery.
They wear tall red cowls that rise high above their heads before curling elegantly at the tip. Openings along the sides allow their pointed ears to emerge, whilst the lower sections of the cowl drape downward into multiple triangular points around their shoulders and torso.
To stand before the High Council is considered one of the greatest honours an Elf can experience.
Any Elf fortunate enough to meet them must bow respectfully and address them as “Your Excellency.”
The Creators of the Christmas Operation
Long ago, it was the High Council of Elven Elders who created the role of Santa Claus and established the Christmas operation that still exists today at Santa’s Village.
Without them, the magic of Christmas as humans know it would never have existed.
And so, both Elves and humans alike ultimately owe a great debt to the wisdom and guidance of the High Council of Elven Elders.
The Guardians of Elven History
Though rarely seen and even more rarely spoken of, the High Council continue to watch over Elvenkind from the shadows.
Ancient.
Wise.
And endlessly devoted to preserving the magic of Christmas for generations yet to come.
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