Are Elves Shallow? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morwen Tindomerel · 06-07-2003, 04:43 PM

They do seem to be unduly swayed by appearances. Both Morgoth and later Sauron gain the trust of the Noldor with 'a fair appearance' and poor Gwindor loses status with his people because he's lost his strength and good looks.

On the other hand Luthien is beloved for her beauty, (nobody seems to have had a clue about her courage and spirit until she took up with Beren) ditto for her descendant Arwen, (who seems to have had neither).

There seems no question but that physical beauty contributes mightily to an Elf's status and reputation among his/her people. Not to mention the Eldar's evaluation of other races. Dwarves are scorned for their 'stunted' bodies and unElvish appearance. And Men are esteemed according to how well they meet Elven aesthetics. Thus the tall golden haired Hadorians and dark fine featured Beorians are held in greater respect than the short, thick bodied Haladin or hairy, swarthy Easterlings.

I don't say that looks are *all* that matters to Elves but they surely do count for quite a lot! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

06-07-2003, 04:43 PM	#1
Morwen Tindomerel Wight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minas Anor or Annuminas the Golden Posts: 187	Are Elves Shallow? They do seem to be unduly swayed by appearances. Both Morgoth and later Sauron gain the trust of the Noldor with 'a fair appearance' and poor Gwindor loses status with his people because he's lost his strength and good looks. On the other hand Luthien is beloved for her beauty, (nobody seems to have had a clue about her courage and spirit until she took up with Beren) ditto for her descendant Arwen, (who seems to have had neither). There seems no question but that physical beauty contributes mightily to an Elf's status and reputation among his/her people. Not to mention the Eldar's evaluation of other races. Dwarves are scorned for their 'stunted' bodies and unElvish appearance. And Men are esteemed according to how well they meet Elven aesthetics. Thus the tall golden haired Hadorians and dark fine featured Beorians are held in greater respect than the short, thick bodied Haladin or hairy, swarthy Easterlings. I don't say that looks are all that matters to Elves but they surely do count for quite a lot! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]