An electrodeless discharge lamp includes a pair of opposed couplers aligned along an axis, a stationary light transmissive envelope positioned between the pair of opposed couplers, the envelope having an interior length along the axis which is greater than a maximum interior dimension of the envelope orthogonal to the axis, a light emitting fill disposed inside the envelope, the fill including at least one fill substance selected from the group of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium in a concentration of at least 1 mg/cc for each selected fill substance, and a power source connected to the couplers, wherein power applied to the couplers from the power source is effective to initiate and sustain a stable light emitting discharge from the fill. For example, the envelope may be capsule shaped or have the shape of a prolate ellipsoid. The lamp operates at low power and is stable without rotation.