[Saraphim]

I agree with your remark, Elianna, that war is alot less personal than it used to be, and that people might think twice about fighting if it meant picking up a sword or bow.

Anyway, back to the subject.

I enjoyed reading Morgoth's Ring immensly because of the insight it gave me as to how the elves lived on a day-to-day basis. I was impressed to see that Tolkien gave the elven women the same status as the male elves.

I suppose my comment is that not all the elves fought, including many elven women. Many elven males did not take up weapons either.

Hmmm. I just had a thought. Perhaps the males were trained to be offensive warriors, while the women were trained to be defensive; to protect the homes or fortresses if ever they were attacked.

But that's just speculation on my part.