While each community had tasks that had to be done, I feel sure that they didn't have class systems as in upper, middle, and lower class. Most of the stories we're presented with deal with elves in command...the royal family. Of the male elves we're told about, I can only think of a few that weren't in a position of leadership, like Eol and his son. The majority of the elves that play a major part are of royalty. Finwe down to Earendil, Elwe down to Elwing, Olwë's house mixed with Finarfin's, and later Elmo's with those two.
Because of all this, we aren't given much of a glimpse into the society of the Eldar, but we're never told of elves being treated as lowly peasants, nor do we encounter any. All elves were so alike...fair in appearance, with the same interests in dining and music. It would seem logical that, apart from the royal house of the given settlement, everyone would be treated equally and subsequently pull their part of the load that is involved in running a community. Of course, some elves handled different jobs, but as far as designation of "who is better than who" goes, I can't see it happening in a group of such civilized beings.
[ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ]
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11-07-2002, 10:21 PM
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