Credit for the original rendition of this post goes to Arkonn and the <Fellowship of Teldrassil> of the Cenarion Circle server.
“Below her eyes, the jagged tattoos that marked an earlier rite of passage now seemed to mock Tyrande, for they added to the younger elf’s fearsome look” - Stormrage, page 81
With the publishing of Stormrage in 2010 by Richard A. Knaak, speculation surrounding the purpose of night elf facial tattoos were confirmed. They mark a rite of passage, however what that entails exactly is still widely speculated. Many believe that night elf women receive their facial tattoos after coming of age, and completing a rite of passage. However this is not yet confirmed.
A rite of passage is a ritual event that marks a person’s transition from one status to another. It could be for a coming of age ceremony, or occur when a night elf finds her place among the people, or is related to a chosen occupational path.
Regardless, this post is for those who want more insight into the tattoos themselves, and their deeper meanings. Be warned, the contents of this guide are strictly theoretical.
Are you looking to add some extra depth to your Kaldorei? Below are visuals of all markings currently available to female night elves, paired with descriptions of what they resemble and connote.
In the create-a-character and barbershop interface there are 10 tattoo options for a female night elf, and they are as follows: Bear, Blades, Crane, Leaf, Wings, Claws, Serpent, Owl, Shadow, No Tattoo.
Associated with Ursoc the Mighty and Ursol the Wise. Revered as gods by the Furbolg tribes. Patrons of the Druids of the Claw.
Associated qualities: Might, strength, ferocity, power, loyalty, balance, wisdom, healing.
A constellation. Symbol of the Night Warrior aspect of Elune. As the Night Warrior, Elune is said to have gathered the souls of the righteous fallen from the battlefield and spread them across the sky as stars.
Associated qualities: Courage, bravery, righteousness, justice, protection.
A constellation. Symbol of Aessina, one of the greater wilderness spirits. Her shrine was built ages ago by the Kaldorei, and lies in the midst of a forest glade in Ashenvale’s heart. Her shrine is a clear forest pool with a statue of Aessina standing beside it, clothed only in ivy. Dryads are known to visit the shrine to venerate Aessina, and cranes are often seen near the pool.
Associated qualities: Patience, precision, grace, serenity, beauty.
Associated with Malorne and Cenarius. Malorne is the consort of Elune, and Cenarius is their son, who inherited Malorne’s dominion over Nature. Cenarius had great love for his Kaldorei warrior women, and regarded them in a fatherly fashion. Cenarius is Lord of the Forest and patron of all druids.
Associated qualities: Harmony, balance, nurturance, peace, healing, wisdom, purity, strength, wrath, power.
A constellation. Associated with nightsabers, and thus the Night Warrior aspect of Elune. A favored marking of Huntresses, who ride the feral nightsabers into battle.
Associated qualities: Meeting challenges head-on, bravery, ferocity, strength, speed, agility.
A constellation. Symbol of Aviana, the winged messenger of Elune. Aviana was the mistress of the Mother Tree, G’Hanir, from whose acorn Nordrassil was grown. Also, G'Hanir was where dragons would go to at the end of their life. Patroness of the Druids of the Talon, and scholars.
Associated qualities: Communication, knowledge, insight, observation, guidance, haste, expediency, knowing when to maintain safe and appropriate distance.
Associated with Ysera and Alexstrasza. Ysera is the “mother” and mentor of Cenarius and guides the evolution of Nature from the Emerald Dream. Ysera and her dragonflight hold a special love for the Night Elves and their druids, and many have become dragonsworn to the green dragons. Alexstrasza is the protector of all life, and the druids revere her the most of the dragons after Ysera.
Associated qualities: Knowledge, wisdom, healing, guidance, balance, serenity, nurturance, peace.
A constellation. Associated with Elune. The owl is the most beloved of the Goddess’ night birds. Huntresses have a close bond with the owls of the forest, as they relay information and spy for the Huntresses.
Associated qualities: Seeing matters from a broad perspective, foreknowledge, wisdom, vigilance, stealth.
Symbol of the Shadow aspect of Elune. Elune has blessed her Children, the Kaldorei, with the power to meld into the shadows.
Associated qualities: Observing before taking action, knowing when to avoid harm and unnecessary conflict, wisdom, prudence, refuge, peace, stealth.
A lack of markings upon a female Kaldorei usually means one of two things: they are too young to have received them/have not gone through their rite of passage, or they are of Highborne descent. Some women may decide not to take them. Those that are older than 400 years and still do not possess markings are considered highly unusual in night elf society.
It is theorized that the High Priestess is requested to allow her markings to fade, demonstrating an open mind and a balanced embrace of the Goddess and all her teachings. It’s also noted that markings, in general, could be a sign of pride.
