Annunfuiniel, yes, i can see what you mean. Also, In our own world the novel is a recent creation, & in the ancient world most storys were based on myths & traditions. Maybe the real question is, how far did the various cultures 'invention' go. Obviously, for the Elves, who can remember the Elder days, there will be less invention involved in thier accounts of historical events than for men, or hobbits. So the Elves would really be less free in writing poems/lays about historical events.
But given that Tolkien puts so much emphasis on sub creation its odd that subcreation in his secondary world is so limited.
Wish I had more time to pursue this!
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