Olwë was the youngest brother of Elwë Thingol, and the joint leader of the Teleri. The Teleri missed the first sailing of the Eldar to the West, and they lived for some while by the sea-coasts. However, Olwë, and most of his folk, sailed to Valinor when the second summons came from the Blessed Realm.

They did not go to Valinor directly, instead staying a while at Tol Eressëa where they were instructed by Ossë in the art of ship-building. When they finally set foot in Eldamar, they made Alqualondë their home.

Olwë's daughter was Eärwen, who married Finarfin.