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Originally Posted by davem
As B88 points out, there is a significant difference between 'do not' & 'need not'.
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I do not deny that there is a significant difference in meaning. But I do not think that this difference alters the essential nature of Elves. In fact, using "need" is probably more accurate:
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Originally Posted by Mithalwen
I think I prefer need not because elves in mirkwood who interract with mortals must use mortal reckoning for convenience .. so I think it is a clarification .... but we will see..
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Elves actually
do record the passing of years when it is necessary to do so, for example, as
Mithalwen says, for interraction with mortals. For example, Celeborn notes that it has been "eight and thirty years of the world outside since you came to this land", when he greets Aragorn. (And we all know that he's the wisest Elf in all of Middle-earth.
) So Elves do recognise and record the passing of the years. They simply feel no
need to do so for themselves. But to say that they
do not do so under any circumstances is inaccurate.