twelve squared

[Thingol1000]

144 original elves of the "unbegotten".
Is there some mythological relevence in some culture Tolkein derived this from?

ie. A ring is a powerful symbol of ancient Norse culture.

[Galorme]

Its the last number you get when you learn your times tables smilies/biggrin.gif

[obloquy]

It's significant in Biblical Judaism and Christianity. Check out Revelation 7:4.

[LePetitChoux]

It is also one "gross", the number of Hobbits at the special dinner Bilbo had. http://www.smilies.nl/dieren/grommit.gif