Like you had said; legend can very easily get blown out of proportion, getting stretched and skewed until they are something that they are not. I must say that the history, as well as the characteristics, of the Danaans are eerily similar to the Elves. However, remember that Middle-Earth "ended" long ago, and we are in the Seventh Age now. I do not see how any Elves could survive, especially since if they do not leave for Valinor, they will eventually grow mortal, and perish. And, Tolkien based his work on many mythologies, as discussed in other threads, so it is possible that he borrowed some from the Celts and Irish.
In other words, I think that, although they are very similar, they aren't really the same. Much like how leopards and tigers are both felines, but they are not the same animal, if you can comprehend my rabbling.
[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: The Fifth ]
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- Ringwraith #5,
Servant of the Eye
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