I had been here for seven years when Ajihad connected to the Varden. I have seen Nasuada grow from a nice little girl, to the woman she is today. A little irresponsible sometimes, but a good, born leader for Varden. The people will love her.— Elessari talking about Nasuada to Eragon
Elessari was a human female, and a member the Council of Elders. She had an immense pile of grey hair above her matronly face and carried a dagger.[1] She supported controlling Nasuada as she led the Varden. The other four on the council are: Jörmundur, Falberd, Sabrae, and Umérth.
Paolini perhaps created the name out of inspiration by the Lord of the Rings. The name Elessari sounds very similar to Elessar which was the elven name for Aragorn son of Arathorn in Tolkien's mythology.[2]