Letter #131
Quote:
The 'Elves ' are 'immortal', at least as far as this world goes: and hence are concerned rather with the griefs and burdens of deathlessness in time and change, then with death.
The 'Elves ' are 'immortal', at least as far as this world goes: and hence are concerned rather with the griefs and burdens of deathlessness in time and change, then with death.
Letter #131
Quote:
They wanted the peace and bliss and perfect memory of 'The West', and yet to remain on the ordinary earth where their prestige as the highest people, above wild Elves, dwarves, and Men, was greater than at the bottom of the hierarchy of Valinor. They thus became obsessed with 'fading', the mode in which the changes of time (the law of the world under the sun) was perceived by them. They became sad, and their art (shall we say) antiquarian.
They wanted the peace and bliss and perfect memory of 'The West', and yet to remain on the ordinary earth where their prestige as the highest people, above wild Elves, dwarves, and Men, was greater than at the bottom of the hierarchy of Valinor. They thus became obsessed with 'fading', the mode in which the changes of time (the law of the world under the sun) was perceived by them. They became sad, and their art (shall we say) antiquarian.
Letter 154
Quote:
But the Elves are not wholly good or in the right. Not so much because they had flirted with Sauron; as because with or without his assistance they were 'embalmers'. They wanted to have their cake and eat it: to live in the mortal historical Middle-earth because they had become fond of it (and perhaps because they there had the advantages of a superior caste), and so tried to stop its change and history, stop its growth, keep it as a pleasance even largely a desert, where they could be 'artists' - and they were overburdened with sadness and nostalgic regret.
But the Elves are not wholly good or in the right. Not so much because they had flirted with Sauron; as because with or without his assistance they were 'embalmers'. They wanted to have their cake and eat it: to live in the mortal historical Middle-earth because they had become fond of it (and perhaps because they there had the advantages of a superior caste), and so tried to stop its change and history, stop its growth, keep it as a pleasance even largely a desert, where they could be 'artists' - and they were overburdened with sadness and nostalgic regret.
Some points picked up from the readings.
Of the coming of the Elves
- First beheld the stars upon waking.
- Called themselves Quendi
- Stronger and greater in the beginning
- Possessed beauty beyond all beauty enriched by sorrow and wisdom
- Were left free to walk as they wished
- Given the skill to order all the lands and heal their hurts
- Melkor held the Elves responsible for his downfall (Battle of the Power)
Races of Elves:
Eldar (West Elves)
- Vanyar were the 'Fair Elves', people of Ingwe and beloved of Manwe and Varda.
- Noldor were the 'Deep Elves', people of Finwe. Fought and laboured long and grievously in the Northern lands of old.
- Teleri were the 'Sea Elves'. Those who came to the western shores were enamoured of the sea.
Many Partings
- Elves fear the Dark Lord
- Never again will they listen to him or serve him
- Some of the Elves in Rivendell were the Eldar or Elven-wise
- Eldar do not fear the Ringwraiths
- Those who have dwelt in the Blessed Realm live at once in both worlds (Glorfindel)
- Have great power against the Seen and Unseen
- Sing many songs of the Blessed Realm
- They seem to like music, poetry and tales as much as food, or more.
Council of Elrond
- Sauron was able to ensnare the Elven smiths through their eagerness for knowledge.
- While Men multiply, the Firstborn decrease
Lothlorien
- Customarily the Elves of Lorien dwell in trees ( Galadhrim - Tree People)
- Language of the Silvan Elves East of the mountains differnet thatn that of the West
- Elves of Lorien seldom speak the language of others
- Elves of Lorien do not willing have dealings with other folk
- Elves of Lorien do not like strangers in their land
- Hold hostility towards the dwarves
- Nimble (lightly climbed rope into tree, ran along rope as if a road)
This week is just an introduction to the Elves.
Did they live too much in the past and grow too old and antiquarian for Middle-earth?
Did the Elves possess magic?
Why would the numbers of Elves diminish while Men increased?
[Edited on 28/11/2002 by Rednell]
[Edited on 28/11/2002 by Grondmaster]
[Edited on 29/11/2002 by Rednell]
[Edited on 29/11/2002 by Grondmaster]
