J.R.R. Tolkien described the Elves as the Firstborn of Ilúvatar.
In Tolkien’s creation mythology, Ilúvatar is the supreme creator, and the Elves are the first of his Children to awaken in the world. They awoke beside Cuiviénen during the Years of the Trees, before the coming of Men. This early awakening gives them a special place in the history of Arda.
The Elves are portrayed as immortal in the sense that they do not die from age, although they can be killed or suffer other forms of loss. Their bodies and spirits remain bound to the world, and slain Elves may eventually be summoned to the Halls of Mandos in Valinor.
Dwarves were created by the Vala Aulë and later granted independent life by Ilúvatar, while Men are called the Secondborn. Hobbits are a later people related to Men, not one of the two original kindreds named in this creation story.