Snow Elf

The Snow Elves, or Falmer were a race of Elves who inhabited Skyrim long before the Nords. Not much is known of their origins but it is possible they were hybrids of other Elven races. They were led by a Snow Elf known only as the 'Snow Prince' who led them into battle against the Nords when they settled in Skyrim. The Snow Prince was slain by a child at the battle of Moesring. Due to the death of the prince the elves hope was shattered and some fled the battle. The Nords then massacred the Snow Elves by the thousands and they were forced to retreat underground, where they lived for years, adapting to their surroundings and eventually evolving into the sightless, feral, and ruthless creatures known as the Falmer.

Characteristics
One visual representation of the Snow Elf is known to exist and is located in the Irkngthand Sanctuary. It is a very large statue depicting a Snow Elf holding a book and staff, wearing a headpiece and wearing ceremonial-like clothing. This elf looks different from all known elven races (Altmer, Dunmer, Orc and Bosmer), as its head and eyes are smaller, much like a human. Although, it is likely they had white skin as the Falmer do.

The Falmer of Skyrim somewhat represent a Goblin from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Behavior
There is speculation that the Snow Elf will eventually become a surface-dwelling race once again, as there have been reports of more and more organized surface raids of Falmer attacking cattle and crops for food. Ursa Uthrax (the author of the in-game book The Falmer: A Study, which is obtainable in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim) fears the rise of the Falmer, writing, "I fear a horror neither man nor gods could possibly stand against."