Elven-wise

	Eldar Elves of the Great Journey
Vanyar Light-elves	Elven-wise (Noldor) Deep Elves	Teleri The Third Clan

Those among the Elves in Middle-earth who were highest in knowledge and power, having dwelt in the bliss of the Blessed Realm of Valinor and returned to Middle-earth. These High Elves were, for the most part, of the Noldor, of whom a great number followed Fëanor out of Aman in his quest for revenge against Morgoth and fought the long Wars of Beleriand before the end of the First Age. By the end of the Third Age, many of these had departed back across the Great Sea, but some few remained in refuges such as Rivendell or Lórien.

Though almost all the Elven-wise were of the exiled Noldor, there are hints that not all may have been followers of Fëanor. Gandalf's comment quoted above was in particular reference to Glorfindel, and late notes of Tolkien's suggest that Glorfindel may have been sent back to Middle-earth independently, perhaps as a companion of the Istari in the Third Age. For more on this possibility, see 'The Problem of the Two Glorfindels' in the entry for Glorfindel of Gondolin.