|
Like Bethberry, I confess to faulty memory about insults in Tolkien. But, if it's any help to RPGers and others, there is an authentic tradition of insult-trading in Norse literature - which is after all where Tolkien got inspiration for dwarf names, runes and culture.
It's called 'flyting', and examples can be found in the Eddas and sagas.
And while I personally disapprove strongly of homophobic language, I would also add that the very severest of insults in the old literature do indeed refer to womanish behaviour in men. (In Njalssaga, for example, one Viking accuses another of being "the mistress of the Svinafell Troll, who uses you as a woman every ninth night.")
But bear in mind that this kind of insult was forbidden by law and usually sparked off the most hideous killings and blood feuds. So they were not flung around casually.
And while it is conceivable that dwarves might resort to such behaviour, I can't really see the elves either initiating or responding.
|