Are the elves really all that? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Faenaduial · 03-03-2003, 12:00 AM

Illuvatar alone created the race of elves and he intended that they live in ME. Why then are you surprised by the fact that although they have a choice and can leave ME, they would wish to stay.

You indicate that the elves did not truely suffer, that they lost only their works or their freedom, and a few elves who became mortal. You discount the elves attachment for ME itself. The destruction and changing of their world caused them great suffering. Also although those who die will be reborn, those left to live in ME without their family, friends, etc. still suffer the loss.

Tolkien more or less indicates that imortality is not the great gift that it is made out to be. The elves know that even though they may live through long ages unchanging, everything else will change and fade away.

The hardship and toil of the elves to free ME of the evil residing there is well documented in many of TOlkien's writings.

Your last question - What was the purpose of the elves - really stunned me. Unless the mind of Illuvatar was recorded in his making of the races (and it was not) why ask a question for which we don't have an answer.

Do they need a "Purpose"?

03-03-2003, 12:00 AM	#1
Faenaduial Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mirkwood - 710 miles WtR Posts: 246	Illuvatar alone created the race of elves and he intended that they live in ME. Why then are you surprised by the fact that although they have a choice and can leave ME, they would wish to stay. You indicate that the elves did not truely suffer, that they lost only their works or their freedom, and a few elves who became mortal. You discount the elves attachment for ME itself. The destruction and changing of their world caused them great suffering. Also although those who die will be reborn, those left to live in ME without their family, friends, etc. still suffer the loss. Tolkien more or less indicates that imortality is not the great gift that it is made out to be. The elves know that even though they may live through long ages unchanging, everything else will change and fade away. The hardship and toil of the elves to free ME of the evil residing there is well documented in many of TOlkien's writings. Your last question - What was the purpose of the elves - really stunned me. Unless the mind of Illuvatar was recorded in his making of the races (and it was not) why ask a question for which we don't have an answer. Do they need a "Purpose"? __________________ Risk everything, or gain nothing. -- Geoffrey De Charny, 1358 Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.