The classical heart symbol is all over High Elven artwork and miniatures. Can anybody please tell me what it stands for? What does it represent in High Elven society?
The classical heart symbol is all over High Elven artwork and miniatures. Can anybody please tell me what it stands for? What does it represent in High Elven society?
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The closest symbol that have been explained is the eldar symbol of a heart pierced by a sword. It represents the doom of eldanesh and the separation betwen the elves and their gods. But because warhammer is a separate universe from wh40k the elfs in warhammer would not know of that event. As such the heart is unpierced and represents the bond between the eldar and their gods. But I'm only guessing here.
I think it represente the Heart of Avelorn, symbol of their spiritual guide. That is what Tyrion wears, isn't it?
Older models and drawings had Hearts pierced with Swords, (sometimes Broken) Hearts Bleeding, Hearts wrapped in thorns, Winged Hearts... so either the spiritual connotations of the Everqueen / Isha or some other God-related use, or it could represent the Asur themselves.
Dark Elves had the symbol of the Sundered Heart (being torn apart by claws) frequently as well and my favourite DE model - a classic Sorceror - has a Heart impaled atop a spike topping its staff.
Last edited by Sheena Easton; 19-06-2012 at 12:52.
Originally Posted by Blkc57
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actually, the heart pierced by a sword is supposed to symbolize a unit that has lost it's champion in battle. overall, hearts are on the decline with the high elves. you saw a LOT more of them on older models and artwork. now, there are hardly any. I think it's because it's not enough of an army-specific symbol; too generic.
I think it's because it was rather corny, if you ask me
"and if you push on the heart, the carebear will sing you a little song!"
Last edited by Urgat; 20-06-2012 at 19:04.
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Older Wood Elf models also use the heart iconography - more recent ones have dropped it, a pleasing instance of art imitating life (well, sort of), as presumably the influence of the High Elves fades through the wood elf generations.
Skaw's initial optimisim about Wood Elves being re-released in mid 2013 is slipping... Early 2014 ftw!
I'm sure it has more to do with early Warhammer art. John Blanche in particular used hearts in his paintings (and certainly not just elves) and on miniatures right from the beginning. You see hearts on all sorts of shields, clothing and barding.
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