Did elves smoke?

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Elu Ancalime

Perhaps its just from the 'Fire' within. <bad pun>

Pun or not, this puts the idea of elves and flames in a different light. We all know that Gandalf is the wielder of the Flame Imperishable, the Secret Fire and the holder of the Fire Ring. (What balrog does not know this?) What does this mean? Does he descend to enlighten the inhabitants of Middle-earth? There is a precedent for this, if not in the ancient Norse mythologies, at least in European art.

I know davem is dead set against this idea, but allow me to point out how prevalent in the European religious tradition is this idea of the descent of the holy flame.

First, a painting by Gustav Dore.




Next, a more modern painting by Luke Dingman.



Now, something by Emil Nolde.



El Greco's interpretation of holy enlightenment:



And, finally, from di Buoninsegna:



I think we have been on the wrong track to contemplate elven self combustion--although may I point out that I was the first on the Downs to imagine this possibility when for REB in a funeral post for the Lord Etceteron I recounted his sodden demise through spontaneous combustion. I do not think it is the elves per se who are flammable--or, in a Canadian colloquialism, blow up good--but rather Eru who chooses to give life through fire.

Originally Posted by Valaquenta

Therefore Ilúvatar gave to their vision Being, and set it amid the Void, and the Secret Fire was sent to burn at the heart of the World; and it was called Eä."

I posit that Eä! under this greater illumination might be translated not as Let It Be but as Light My Fire.