Concerning Elf-friends

[Voralphion]

I don't believe simply speaking the elven languages qualifies one as an elf friend. The people are only said to be descended from elf friends of old, but are not described as elf friends themselves. The people of Gondor had long ceased all contact with the elves, and therfore cannot be described as elf friends. To be an elf-friend, I think that one has had to have had dealings with the elves, and probably done a service to the elves, such as Aldarion, the greatest elf freind among men at that time, who did much in helping Gil Galad defend against the shadow in the east. Frodo is perhaps described by Gildor as an elf friend because he is the heir of Bilbo, a elf friend known in Rivendell.
In order to be considered an elf friend, I believe one would have to have had positive dealings with the elves, and probably helped them in some way.

[Kuruharan]

Not to display my rampant bias (as if I would ever do anything like that ) but it seems to me that being an elf-friend is something that is restricted to Men or Mannish creatures (read hobbits). At least I can't recall a time when, oh, just to pick an example, a dwarf was called an elf-friend.

On the providing service to the Elves front, going back to the First Age, the Dwarven kings of Belegost were always faithful allies of the elves and saved their bacon at the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. However, Azaghal was never bestowed the title of Elf-friend posthumously.

Although, I must admit that this post is based to an embarassing degree on pure unreasoning first reaction. I'm not sure, but there might be a reference that I'm forgetting.

[The Saucepan Man]

At least I can't recall a time when, oh, just to pick an example, a dwarf was called an elf-friend.

Gimli was called Elf-Friend, presumably for his part in healing the old enmity between the races and for the special affection which Galadriel held for him. After all, you don't get to go to Valinor without being pretty much in with the fair folk. As far as I can recall, though, he is the only example.

[Kuruharan]

Ha! I knew I had to be overlooking something obvious!

Is my face red?

[The Saucepan Man]

Is my face red?

just as long as it doesn't clash with your beard.

[Alaksoron]

Going back to your first post, HerenIstarion, I believe Eomer was not considered an Elf-friend because he did not really care for the Elves. He was a strong believer in the race of men even to the point of prejudice, and if you read with discernment you will find that this is a point whcih the books really stress. One thing many of you seem to be suggesting (albeit without realizing) is that we humans are expected to render service to the Elves as a superior race. This presents a real problem to me because I see Elves as more of the Guide and Protector of the weaker, fallen *little brother* race, mankind.

[Alaksoron]

Khuharan, I can't imagine why the species you selcted to favor was the Dwarves.
They are portrayed by the honorable professor Tolkien (and, incidentally, Mr. Jackson as well) as greedy, crude, self-centered, savage, selfish, barbaric, and almost as a rule always concerned with nothing other than personal gain. Also, the honorable professor Tolkien was not the only one to portray them so. If you read other mythological writings (i.e. Chronicles of Narnia) you will find that this is a rather common opinion. The Elves can hardly be blamed for their obvious comtempt for the Dwarves. Elves tend to be magical, mystic, wise, and laid back, concerned with the higher arts. They are the opposites of the Dwarves. However, perhaps it is only my *rampant bias* only vice versa, fiercely and fanatically in the of Elves and the honorable professor Tolkien.