The Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Skyrim and Fall of the Snow Prince suggest the conflict may have been related to the rapidly increasing Nord population and a struggle for control over territory and resources, which took the form of a war of extermination-with both sides apparently pursuing the utter destruction of the other. The death of his countrymen prompted Ysgramor to summon his Five Hundred Companions - the namesake and forebears of the Companions in Whiterun - and vow to return and drive the Snow Elves from Skyrim. However, Ysgramor and his two sons managed to escape the attack, who then fled back to Atmora. The ensuing genocide was known as the ' Night of Tears' and the raid on Saarthal caused the demise of the entire population of the city. As they considered the humans to be a lesser species, the elves had little qualms about the slaughter they committed. The peace was short-lived, as an attack by Snow Elves destroyed the rapidly growing settlement of Nords in Saarthal. Initial coexistence between men and Snow Elves was largely peaceful, though this was not to last, as conflict soon arose between the two peoples. When the Atmorans arrived from Atmora, the Snow Elves had a somewhat comfortable relationship with the humans. Their origin was part of the initial exodus of dissident Mer groups from the Summerset Isles along with the Dwemer, Chimer and Ayleids, although the only Mer to settle in Skyrim were the Snow Elves and later, the Dwemer. They were the first race of Mer in Skyrim and were present long before the first Atmoran colonies that were established by Ysgramor. The Snow Elves were originally a wealthy and prosperous society that made their home in portions of Skyrim. When they separated from them is unknown. Unlike the other races of Mer, the Snow Elves retained much of the Aldmeri culture. Like all Mer, the Snow Elves are descendants of the ancient Aldmer.

The Snow Elves also possessed a remarkable aptitude with magic, as can be seen with Arch-Curate Vyrthur.

The Snow Elves had a society that almost rivaled that of the Altmer from the Summerset Isles. Gelebor explains that they were once a 'proud and prosperous race,' before the war with the Atmorans and their subsequent enslavement by the Dwemer. Despite most of this civilization's history being lost, a surviving Snow Elf by the name of Knight-Paladin Gelebor revealed details about the fate of his race.

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