Elves: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
No edit summary
(164 intermediate revisions by 46 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:WAR-ICONS elves.jpg|left|150px]]'''Elves''' were one of the races of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], called the [[Firstborn]] because they were the first to awake.  Unlike [[Men]], the Elves were not subject to illness or death, and therefor were almost immortal.  They were, however, vulnerable to death by the sword.  They were debatably the race that most interested the [[Valar]].  They were divided into several primary groups: the [[Vanyar]], the [[Noldor]], the [[Teleri]], the [[Sindar]], and the [[Silvan elves]].  For a list of Elves see [[:Category:Elves]].
{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Elves
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - At Lake Cuiviénen.jpg|250px]]
| caption="At Lake Cuiviénen" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames=People of the Stars, Firstborn, Elder Children of Ilúvatar
| origin=Firstborn of the [[Children of Ilúvatar|Children]] of [[Ilúvatar]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]], [[Tirion]], [[Taniquetil]], [[Formenos]], [[Alqualondë]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Doriath]], [[Falas]], [[Hithlum]], [[Ossiriand]], [[Vinyamar]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Gondolin]], [[Edhellond]], [[Mouths of Sirion]], [[Isle of Balar]], [[Lindon]], [[Eldalondë]], [[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Orcs]], [[Dwarves]]
| language=Various [[Elvish]] languages, most notably [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]; [[Westron]]
| people=[[Vanyar]], [[Noldor]], [[Teleri]], [[Sindar]], [[Nandor]], [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]], [[Falmari]], [[Avari]]
| members=[[Ingwë]], [[Thingol]], [[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Galadriel]], [[Finrod]], [[Sons of Fëanor]], [[Lúthien]], [[Fingon]], [[Turgon]], [[Idril]], [[Maeglin]], [[Círdan]], [[Celeborn]], [[Celebrimbor]]
| lifespan=[[Arda]]'s existence; near immortality
| distinctions=
| height=Tall
| hair=Blond, black, brown, red, and occasionally silver
| skin=Pale to tan
| clothing=
| weapons=Typically swords and bows
}}
The '''Elves''' (''[[Quendi]]'') were the first of the races of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], known also as the [[Firstborn]] for that reasonThe Elves are distinguished from the other two races, the [[Men]] and the [[Dwarves]], especially by the fact of their near immortality.


== Origins and Early History ==
==History==


On the shores of the [[Sea of Helcar]] in [[Cuiviénen]], during the [[Years of the Trees]], the Elves awoke under the stars.  At first the [[Valar]] were not aware of them, though [[Melkor]] learned of their presence through his spies, and sent his creatures to watch and harass them.  They called themselves the [[Quendi]].
===Awakening===
{{main|Awakening of the Elves}}


How long they existed in this perilous and unprotected state is not known, but the legends of those times, of the Hunter and of a dark Rider, were preserved in [[Valinor]] by the [[Eldar]] that came there. It is known that many of the ancient Elves were captured by Melkor and imprisoned in [[Utumno]] - it is generally thought that these hapless beings were the origins of the race of [[Orcs]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'']] About the same time that [[Varda]], Queen of the [[Valier]], ended her labors in creating the [[Stars]], the Elves awoke beside the lake [[Cuiviénen]].  The first things they saw were the stars, and henceforth they adored them.  The first sound they heard was the flowing of water, and henceforth they loved water as well.


The Valar first learned of them when [[Oromë]] heard them singing while hunting in [[Endor]].  He named them the [[Eldar]], the “People of the Stars”Because of Melkor’s deeds toward them, they were at first suspicious of OromëBut after a brief return to report his find to the other Valar, he lingered in their realm and protected them for a time.
They made speech then, and called themselves the ''[[Quendi]]''.  [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was the first to be aware of them, and he caused evil spirits to go about among themWhen one or a small group wandered abroad, they would often vanishIt is believed that Melkor may have created [[Orcs]] with the elves he captured.


At last, concerned for the safety of the Elves, the Valar left Valinor and made war on Melkor, starting the [[Battle of the Powers]].  Eventually Melkor was made captive, and taken as such back to Valinor.
[[Oromë]], the Huntsman of the [[Valar]], happened upon them when he heard their singing far-offHe was amazed to see them, and called them the ''Eldar'', "People of the Stars".


===Sundering===
{{main|Sundering of the Elves}}


== The Great Journey ==
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg |thumb|right|250px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''Oromë espies the first Elves'']] Though at first the Quendi were afraid of Oromë, the noblest among them saw that he was no dark horseman, as the lies of Melkor claimed.  He had the light of [[Aman]] in his eyes and face, and they were drawn to him.
After the defeat of Melkor, the Valar debated the fate of the Elves - whether they should be left to dwell in Middle-earth, or brought to Valinor to be kept under the direct protection of the Valar. It was decided to bring them to the land of the Valar, and Oromë was sent back to Cuiviénen to summon them.
When he returned, though, he found that the Elves feared the Valar, and were reluctant to make the journey. Three ambassadors were chosen, [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]] and [[Elwë]], to travel to Aman with Oromë, and help the Elves decide on their course. These three were filled with awe by what they saw there, and by the light of the Two Trees, and counselled their people to follow the summons.


The followers of Ingwë, and most of the peoples of Finwë and Elwë agreed, and set out on the [[Great Journey]] westwards across the wide lands of Middle-earth. These were the peoples later known as the [[Three Kindreds]], the [[Vanyar]], the [[Noldor]] and the [[Teleri]]. Not all the Elves obeyed the summons; those who refused are known as [[Avari]], the [[Unwilling]].
After spending a while among the Quendi, Oromë returned to [[Valinor]] and took council with the other Valar and Valier. At the counsel of [[Ilúvatar]], [[Manwë]], King of the Valar, decided that they must go to war against Melkor to protect the Quendi from him.  After a great battle and [[Siege of Utumno]], which reshaped the earth itself, Melkor was bound and cast into the prison of [[Mandos]]. Then the Valar, pleased with the outcome, summoned the Elves to Valinor, seeking fellowship with them.


Oromë led the peoples of the Three Kindreds out of the east of Middle-earth. The Vanyar were the least numerous, and the most eager to reach Aman, and they came first on the Journey, followed by the Noldor of Finwë.
At Oromë's urging, many of the Elves (especially the kindreds of [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]]) agreed.  But others, henceforth called the [[Avari]], declared that they preferred starlight and the wide spaces of [[Middle-earth]]. So the Elves were first sundered.  During the journey to [[Belegaer]], gradually the number of the Elves began to lessen as various groups dropped away.  Some of the [[Teleri]] (kindred of Elwë) refused to cross the [[Misty Mountains]], and settled in [[Anduin]] under the leadership of [[Lenwë]], to be called later the [[Nandor]].  Elwë then went missing, and in dismay the rest of the Teleri remained behind, while the [[Noldor]] (kindred of Finwë) and [[Vanyar]] (kindred of Ingwë) used an island as a ship, and found at last Aman and Valinor.


The Teleri, led by Elwë and his brother Olwë, were the greatest host, and many were uncertain and doubtful. Not a few of these people left the Journey and remained in Middle-earth. The most notable of those who turned from the Journey were the [[Nandor]], who were led away down the [[Vales of Anduin]] by [[Lenwë]].
After several years, Oromë returned to search for the Teleri.  Some, under [[Olwë]], relented and followed.  Others remained to continue to search for Elwë.  Still others, under [[Círdan]], remained because in that time they had become devoted to [[Ossë]] and the Sea.  Those Teleri that chose to remain were called the [[Sindar]]. Elwë, who had fallen asleep due to his enchantment with [[Melian]], returned to claim lordship and establish them in [[Doriath]]. The Noldor and some of the Teleri, however, built the great cities of [[Tirion]] and [[Alqualondë]] (respectively) in Aman.  The Vanyar dwelt in [[Valmar]], for they were closest to the Valar of the kindreds.


At last, the Vanyar and the Noldor reached the shores of the [[Great Sea]], in the regions between the [[Bay of Balar]] and the [[Firth of Drengist]] (regions later known, at least for the most part, as the [[Falas]]). [[Ulmo]] brought a great island to the shores, and on it transported the Elves to Aman.
===Exile of the Noldor===
{{main|Exile of the Noldor}}


The Teleri were the hindcomers, though, and arrived in [[Beleriand]] too late to embark on Ulmo's island. They dwelt for a while on the banks of the [[Gelion]] in eastern Beleriand, but later spread to the shores. In this time, two events of historical importance occurred - their lord [[Elwë]] was lost for a time in [[Nan Elmoth]], and they encountered [[Ossë]], a [[Maia]] of the Sea.
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Jenny Dolfen]] - ''The Coming of Fingolfin'']] Melkor, having been released on the promise of good behavior, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor.  [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest Elves to have ever lived, hated Melkor more than all the other Noldor, but was paradoxically one of the most influenced by his lies. He forged weapons, and his greatest works, the [[Silmarils]], captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] – and his own heart.  After Melkor stole the Silmarils and killed Finwë, Fëanor stirred the Noldor to open disobedience to the Valar.  In an epic journey filled with treachery, death, and deceit, the Noldor entered in to Exile, crossing over into [[Beleriand]].


Many of the Teleri wished to remain in Beleriand, some to seek for their lost lord, and others because of desires stirred in their hearts by Ossë. When the time came for Ulmo to return to Beleriand to take the Teleri to Valinor, then, many of them remained behind. These people became known in after years as the [[Sindar]], the [[Grey-elves]], and those who dwelt by the shores under the lordship of [[Círdan]] became known as the [[Falathrim]].
===Battles of Beleriand===
{{main|Battles of Beleriand}}


== Melkor Chained: Three Ages of Bliss ==
There were five great battles fought in Beleriand.  The [[First Battle]] was the result of an attack by Melkor on Círdan and Elwë (now known as [[Thingol]]).  Though the Elves managed to resist the attack successfully, this left Melkor essentially with full reign of Beleriand. Upon the sudden and unanticipated [[Return of the Noldor]], the tables were reversed in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]].  The third battle (“[[Dagor Aglareb]]”) occurred when Melkor tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Elves, breaking forth from [[Angband]]. This only resulted in the vigilant [[Siege of Angband]].  Morgoth was more successful in the next battle, [[Dagor Bragollach]], which ended in the deaths of many Elven princes, among them [[Fingolfin]], [[High King of the Noldor]].  The siege was broken.  Several decades later, [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, counterattacked in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]].  Although at first very successful, the tide turned against the Elves, and ended in the destruction of [[Hithlum]].  It was not half a century later that [[Gondolin]], the last real stronghold of the Noldor, was [[The Fall of Gondolin|destroyed]]. [[Doriath]], the center of the [[Sindar]]in realm, was sacked by [[Dwarves]].[[File:Ted Nasmith - Eärendil and the Battle of Eagles and Dragons.jpg|left|150px|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Eärendil and The Battle of Eagles and Dragons'']]
Now came three ages of glory and bliss for the Elves, both east and west of the Great Sea. In Valinor, the Vanyar and the Noldor, and those of the Teleri who completed the Journey, dwelt with the Valar and learned from them. They dwelt in the jewelled city of [[Tirion]] in the [[Pass of Light]], and at the [[Alqualondë|Swanhaven of Alqualondë]], and beneath the tower of [[Avallónë]] on the [[Tol Eressëa|Lonely Isle of Tol Eressëa]]. While the [[Two Trees]] still gave light to the realm of the Valar, three ages passed, and the Elves of Valinor became the wisest and noblest of all the [[Children of Ilúvatar]].


Meanwhile, in Beleriand, the Sindar dwelt beneath starlight. While most of Middle-earth still slept, awaiting the coming of the Sun and Moon, [[Melian]] the Maia brought life to the forests and plains of Beleriand under [[Thingol]]'s rule, and Oromë would still ride at times across the darkling lands.
===Salvation of the Elves===
{{main|War of Wrath}}


== The Nature of Elves ==
With the near destruction of the Elves, the last survivors were at the [[Mouths of Sirion]] and [[Isle of Balar|Balar]] and were led by Gil-galad and Círdan. Among them was [[Eärendil]], the son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]].  Eärendil made a miraculous voyage to [[Valinor]] to beg the pardon of the Valar.  His request was granted. The Valar came across the Sea to [[Middle-earth]], and in the [[War of Wrath]] thrust Morgoth into the [[Void]] and purged Beleriand. They offered to let the Elves return with them to Valinor; some accepted, but many others, under [[Gil-galad]], chose to remain.
Both Elves and Men are the Children of Ilúvatar, and so have much in common, but there are also great differences between the two peoples. Of these, the most significant is that Elves are 'immortal', at least while the World lasts; they do not suffer ageing or disease, and if they are slain or wither with grief, they are reincarnated in the Halls of Mandos in Valinor.
Although, unlike Men, the Elves must remain in the world until its ending, they are not bound to Middle-earth. They may if they wish take the straight road, and sail into the Uttermost West, a road that is barred to mortals.


Elves also have far clearer sight and perception than Men; they are naturally aware of many things that are hidden from the [[Younger Children of Ilúvatar|Younger Children]], but these gifts are not without limit.
===Decline of the Elves===


== Religion ==
[[File:Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif|thumb|right|150px|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Celebrimbor'']] Though Morgoth was gone to trouble the world no longer, [[Sauron]], his greatest servant, was still there, and he made war on the remaining Elves who chose not to depart Middle-earth throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.
The Elves never had any distinct 'religion' in the sense that Men would understand the word; indeed, the [[High Elves]] had travelled to Valinor and lived with the Valar (or 'gods') themselves for many ages before Men came into the world.
Of all the Valar, they most revered [[Varda|Varda Elentári]], the spouse of [[Manwë]]; and [[Lady of the Stars]]. In Middle-earth, they called her [[Elbereth]], "Star-Queen", and sang to her across the wide ocean [[Belegaer]]. Great respect was also given to Ulmo, especially during the First Age when he aided the Elves against Morgoth.


==Socioeconomic Systems==
During this time the Elves realized how [[Men]] were rising to take their place, and Sauron exploited their longing. [[Annatar]] corrupted [[Celebrimbor]], the grandson of Fëanor, to wright the [[Rings of Power]], especially the [[Three Rings]] to preserve the Elves. Annatar was a guise of Sauron who also forged a ring – [[the One Ring]]. However the Elves realized the deception and defied Sauron, who then [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged War against them]]. In the following centuries Elves continued to heed the invitation of the Valar, desire the Sea and depart for the Undying Lands. Realms such as [[Dol Amroth]] were deserted and gave their place to Men.


The system of leadership the elves used was apparently by inheritance.  The [[High Kings of the Noldor]] were all the eldest sons descended from Finwë, except where [[Maedhros]] gave up his inherited title in favor of [[Fingolfin]].  A look into the organization of the elves, at least in [[Gondolin]], may be seen by looking at the non-canonical work ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]''There the Elves are divided into twelve [[Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim|houses]], each with a particular leader.  Each of the lords of the house would respond directly to [[King Turgon]], and appear to act as counselors as well.
It was not until the end of the Third Age that the One Ring was destroyed, marring the Three Rings at the same timeIn the years that followed the last of the Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, their mission against Sauron complete, never to return.


== The Elvish Life Cycle ==
Well into the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]], most Elves apparently had left the [[Westlands]], with most populations remaining at least in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lindon]]. [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]] appeared mostly abandoned around the time of [[King Elessar]]'s and [[Arwen]]'s death.<ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref>
As told in ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'', the elder Tolkien's writings as edited by his son [[Christopher Tolkien|Christopher]] and collected into several volumes, and in Tolkien's ''[[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', Elves had a different life cycle from Men. Most of the following information strictly refers only to the Eldar, as found in his essay '''''Laws and Customs among the Eldar''''', found in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'' - but much could probably be applied to the Avari as well.


=== Early Life ===
The Elves eventually faded, as their spirits overwhelmed and consumed their bodies. At the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, known as [[Lingerers]], except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}</ref> [[Ilúvatar]] had not revealed the role of the Elves after [[the End]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref>
Elves are born about one year from their conception. The day of their conception is celebrated, not the actual birthday itself - since for them, life begins at conception (here one can see influence from Tolkien's Catholicism). Their minds develop quicker than their bodies; by their first year, they can speak, walk and even dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they really are. Physical puberty comes in around their fiftieth to one hundredth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), and by their first hundred years of life outside the womb all Elves are fully grown.


Tolkien was divided on how fast Elves actually grew. in ''Laws and Customs'', he states that Elves' bodies develop slower than Men from the start. By the age of twenty, they might still appear physically seven years old, whereas Men at the same age are physically mature. However, he later wrote that Elves and Men develop physically at the same rate until maturity, but then Elven bodies slow down and stop aging physically, while human bodies don't.
==Life and Customs of the Elves==
::::''Main articles: ''[[Elven Characteristics]], [[Elven Life cycle]] and [[Elven Customs]]''


=== Sexuality, Marriage, and Parenthood ===
Besides being considered more beautiful than men, Elves were also generally taller. Their hair color varied; but the basic rules were that the [[Noldor]] generally had dark hair (brown or black), the [[Vanyar]] golden, and the [[Teleri]] silver or dark.  Their eyes are usually described as gray.  
Elves marry freely and for love early in life. Monogamy is practised and adultery is unthinkable; they only marry once (Finwë, first High King of the Noldor, was an exception; he remarried after his first wife died).  


Spouses can choose each other even long before they are married. They would be betrothed to one another.  The betrothal is subject to parental approval unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon, at which point the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses.  They exchange rings and the betrothal lasts at least a year, and is revokable by the return of the rings (but rarely is it actually broken). After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year passes.
Their lives were counted to begin at conception rather than birth, and though their minds sharpened much earlier in life than in the race of Men, their bodies grew more slowly.  They were considered fully-grown at about a century.  They married usually only once in their lives, and their children were often few and far-between.


Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. They give back their betrothal rings and receive others worn on their index fingers. The bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn, but the marriage is achieved with its consummation. Technically, only the words exchanged by the bride and groom (including the speaking of the name of [[Eru]]) and the consummation are required for marriage.
Their most distinguishing characteristic from the [[Mortals|Mortal]] races was the fact that they were invulnerable to age or disease; unless they were killed by sword or sorrow, they would live to the end of the world. Unlike Men whose [[fëar]] (spirits) left Arda when their bodies died, Elves' fëar were bound to Arda until its ending. If an Elf's hröa (body) died, its fëa would be summoned to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where the Valar could re-embody Elf in a hröa that was identical to the Elf's previous hröa. However, if an Elf committed evil acts during their lifetime and refused to repent, the Valar could delay the Elf's re-embodiment, impose conditions on it, or refuse it altogether.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}, p. 339</ref><ref>{{PM|Last}}, pp. 380, 389</ref> An Elf could refuse the summons to Mandos or choose to remain disembodied.<ref name=P4i></ref><ref>{{PM|XI2}}, p. 334</ref>, but the Elf's houseless fëa would still be unable to leave Arda.


The Elves view the sexual act as extremely special and intimate, for it leads to the conception and birth of children. Extra-marital and premarital sex are unthinkable -- indeed, the Elves would regard them as contradictions in terms. Because adultery is also unheard of and fidelity between spouses is absolute, spouses can sometimes live separately for extended periods of time, and no one would get worried over it. Yet a sundering during pregnancy or during the early years of parenthood (caused by war, for example) is so grievous to the couple that they prefer to have children in peaceful times. In the case of their being raped, Elves lose the will to live.
==Arts, Crafts, Powers and Magic==


Elves have few children, as a rule; ([[Fëanor]] and [[Nerdanel]] were an exception, since they had ''seven'' sons), and there are relatively sizable intervals between each child. They are soon preoccupied with other pleasures; their libido wanes and they focus their interests elsewhere, like the arts. Nonetheless, they take great delight in the union of love, and they cherish the days of bearing and raising children as the happiest days of their lives.
Other races often spoke of 'Elf magic', or of objects made by Elves as if they contained enchantments. It is unclear how accurate it is to call Elvish arts and crafts 'magic' or 'enchanted'. Elves themselves only used these words when attempting to simplify or clarify how elvish-made things seemed to have a special quality that no other races were able to achieve. Powerful Elves seemed to have control over nature and the elements, their clothes seemed to shine with their own light, their blades seemed to never lose their sharpness. Less educated folks couldn't explain these effects, so they simply called them 'magic'.


=== Daily Life ===
However, each race had its own special abilities that seemed incomprehensible to others. Hobbits had a seemingly supernatural ability to hide when they wished to remain unseen.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Dwarves were unmatched in the art of mining and building halls underground. Wizards had such wisdom and knowledge of the world and all things in it that they appeared to have mystical powers. To each of these races, what they did had nothing to do with magic, it was just how they did things. It may have been so too with Elves. Whether there was any kind of mystical energy involved in the things Elves made can never be proved or disproved.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref>
The Elves, particularly the Noldor, preoccupy themselves with various things, such as smithwork, sculpture, music and other arts. Males and females can do almost everything equally; however, the females often specialise in the arts of healing while the men go to war. This is because they believe that taking life interferes with the ability to preserve life. However, Elves are not stuck in rigid roles; females can defend themselves at need as well as males, and many males are skilled healers as well (like Elrond, though he was technically [[Half-elven]]).


=== Later Life ===
==Languages==
Eventually, if they do not die in battle or from some other cause, Elves grow weary of Middle-earth, and desire to go to Valinor, where the Valar originally sheltered their kind. Those who wish to leave for the Undying Lands go by boats provided at the [[Grey Havens]], where [[Círdan]] the Shipwright dwells with his folk.
{{main|Elvish}}


==== "The Third Cycle of Life", Aging, and Facial Hair ====
[[File:Donato Giancola - Lore.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Lore'']] Because [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] developed the Elves almost for his languages, those he developed are of special interest to many Tolkien scholarsHis primary languages are [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], but these have many variants and dialects as is seen in the table belowThey were generally written in the [[Cirth]] and [[Tengwar]] scripts.
Incidentally, Círdan is quite old when he is shown at the end of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Despite Tolkien's statements in ''The Hobbit'' that Elves (and Hobbits) have no beards, Círdan in fact has a beard, which appears to be an anomaly. However, Tolkien later devised at least  three "cycles of life" for Elves around 1960; Círdan had a beard because he was in his third cycle of life([[Mahtan]], Nerdanel's father, had a beard in his second cycle of life, a rare phenomenon.) It is unclear what these cycles exactly are; however, Tolkien left no notes further explaining this. Apparently, beards were the only sign of further natural physical aging beyond maturity.


Nevertheless, Tolkien may have ultimately changed his mind about whether Elves had facial hair. As Christopher Tolkien states in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', his father wrote in December 1972 or later that the Elvish strain in Men (such as [[Aragorn II]]) was "''observable in the beardlessness of those who were so descended''", since "''it was a characteristic of all Elves to be beardless''". This would seemingly contradict the information above.
*'''[[Primitive Quendian]]'''
**'''[[Avarin]]'''
Elves sometimes appear to age under great stress. Círdan appeared to be aged himself, since he is described as looking old, save for the stars in his eyes; this may be due to all the sorrows he had seen and lived through since the First Age. Also, the people of [[Gwindor]] of [[Nargothrond]] had trouble recognizing him after his time as a prisoner of Morgoth.
***'''Various Avarin languages''' (some later merged with Nandorin)
**'''[[Common Eldarin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Eldar]])
***'''[[Quenya]]''' (the language of the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]])
****''' ''Quendya'' (also ''Vanyarin Quenya'') ''' (daily tongue of the Vanyar: closest to archaic Quenya)
****''' ''Noldorin Quenya'' (also ''Exilic Quenya'') ''' (the "Elven Latin" of Middle-earth)
***'''[[Common Telerin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Lindar]])
****'''[[Telerin]]''' (the language of the [[Teleri]] who reached the [[Undying Lands]])
****'''[[Nandorin]]''' (languages of the [[Nandor]] — some were influenced by Avarin)
*****'''Original language of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]]'''
*****'''Original language of [[Lothlórien|Lórinand]]'''
****'''[[Sindarin]]''' (language of the [[Sindar]])
*****'''[[Doriathrin]]''' (dialect of [[Doriath]])
*****'''[[Falathrin]]''' (dialect of the [[Falas]] and [[Nargothrond]])
*****'''[[North Sindarin]]''' (dialects of [[Dorthonion]] and [[Hithlum]])
******'''[[Gondor Sindarin]]''' (dialect of [[Gondor]])


=== The End ===        
==Inspiration==
As told above, Elves who die or are killed spend some time in the Purgatory-like Halls of Mandos in Valinor, and after that time they are re-embodied. They almost never go back to Middle-earth, however.
===Germanic influence===
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', a diminutive fairy-like race of elves had once been a great and mighty people who had "diminished" as Men took over the world.<ref name="bolt1" /><ref>{{HM|LT2}}</ref><ref name="Fimi">[[Dimitra Fimi]], [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2386/is_2_117/ai_n16676591 "Mad" Elves and "elusive beauty": some Celtic strands of Tolkien's mythology] in ''Folklore'', vol. 117, iss. 2, August 2006, pp. 156–170</ref> themselves influenced by the [[Wikipedia:Elf|Elves]] of Northern European mythologies, especially the god-like and human-sized ''[[Wikipedia:Light elf|Ljósálfar]]'' of Norse mythology,<ref>[[Tom Shippey]], ''[[The Road to Middle-earth]]''</ref> also appearing in medieval works such as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]'', the Welsh [[Pwyll Prince of Dyved|Mabinogion]], [[The Fall of Arthur|Arthurian romances]] and the legends of the [[Wikipedia:Tuatha Dé Danann|Tuatha Dé Danann]].<ref name="Anderson1">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and [[Douglas A. Anderson]] (ed.), ''[[The Annotated Hobbit]]'', p. 120</ref>


Eventually, their immortal spirits (''[[Fëa and hröa|fëar]]'') will overwhelm and consume their bodies (''[[Fëa and hröa|hröar]]''), rendering them "bodiless", whether they opt to go to Valinor or remain in Middle-earth. At the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves. Tolkien called this process "Lingering", and it may be thought of as a fourth and final cycle of Elven life.
Terry Gunnell also claims that the relationship between beautiful ships and the Elves is reminiscent of Njörðr and Skíðblaðni, Freyr's ship.<ref name="Articles"/>


Theoretically, if the Elves did exist, at the end of the world the youngest of them would still be visible, since for them all to become invisible would logically require that all Elves stop reproducing at some point. Incidentally, this voluntary cessation of reproduction appeared in material related to the Jackson films. In the material (not explicitly stated in the films themselves), Arwen is supposed to be the lastborn of her people, thus her being called "the Evenstar" (evening star). However, this does not appear in the books.  
===Celtic influence===
Tolkien expressed a dislike in Celtic legends and denied that his legendarium is "Celtic",<ref>{{HM|Bio}}, p. 26</ref> however it is believed that Celtic Mythology had a great influence on Tolkien's writings on Elves <ref>[[John Garth]], ''[[Tolkien and the Great War]]'', p. 222</ref><ref name="Articles">Terry Gunnell, "[http://www.hi.is/Apps/WebObjects/HI.woa/wa/dp?detail=1004509&name=nordals_en_greinar_og_erindi ''Tívar'' in a Timeless Land: Tolkien's Elves]" conference lecture delivered on 13 September 2002</ref> and some of the stories Tolkien wrote as their 'legends' are directly influenced by it.<ref name="Fimi"/>  For example, the [[Noldor]] are based on the Tuatha Dé Danann in the ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'', and their migratory nature comes from early Irish/Celtic history.<ref name="Fimi"/> John Garth has also referenced the Tuatha Dé Danann in suggesting Tolkien was essentially rewriting Irish fairy traditions.


The lives of Elves technically only endure as the world endures; however, it is said that at the end of time the Elves will join the other [[Children of Ilúvatar]] in singing before His throne.
Tolkien also retains the usage of the Celtic and popular term 'fairy' for the same creatures.<ref>[[Marjorie J. Burns]], ''Perilous Realms: Celtic and Norse in Tolkien's Middle-earth'', p. 22</ref> The Elves are also called fair folk (based on [[Welsh]] ''Tylwyth teg'' 'the beautiful kindred' = fairies)<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 757 cf. "Fair folk"</ref> although they are unrelated to fairies.


== Elvish Naming Conventions ==
===Eschatology===
[[High Elves]] had a rather complex naming convention, or '''[[essë]]'''. At birth he or she were typically given one name, the '''[[essi]]''', given by their father. The ''father-name'' reflected either the name of the father, grandfather, or a legendary ancestor. As the Elf grew older, he or she received a second name, the '''[[amilessë]]''', given by the mother. The ''mother-name'' was extremely important and reflected personality, skills, or fate. This name is not used by those who did not know the Elf well; it would be considered rude to do so. In those cases, the father-name would be used.
The larger Elves are also inspired by Tolkien's Christian theology — as representing the state of Men in Eden who have not yet "[[Wikipedia:Fall of Man|fallen]]" — similar to humans but fairer and wiser, with greater spiritual powers, keener senses, and a closer empathy with nature, freed from human limitations, immortal, with wills directly effective for the achievement of imagination and desire.<ref name="Carpenter"/>


The '''[[epessë]]''', or the "after-name", is the third type. The after-name is given later in life, but not necessarily by their kin, as a title of admiration and honor. In some circumstances, the epessë is chosen by the Elf himself or herself. An Elf could be referred to by any of the three, but the epessë typically took preference.
===Fairies===
Traditional "Victorian" dancing fairies and elves appear in Tolkien's early poetry,<ref name = "bolt1">{{HM|LT1}}</ref> and have influence upon his later works<ref>[[Dimitra Fimi]], "[http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/working_with_english/Fimi_31_05_06.pdf Come sing ye light fairy things tripping so gay: Victorian Fairies and the Early Work of J. R. R. Tolkien]". ''Working With English: Medieval and Modern Language, Literature and Drama''. Retrieved 11/01/08</ref> in part due to the influence of a production of J.M. Barrie's ''Peter Pan'' in [[Birmingham]] in 1910<ref name="Carpenter">[[Humphrey Carpenter]], ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''</ref> and his familiarity with the work of Catholic mystic poet, Francis Thompson<ref name="Carpenter" /> whose work Tolkien had acquired in 1914.<ref name="bolt1" />


A fourth type was the patronymic: the father's name with the suffix "-ion" added. Thus, [[Gildor Inglorion]] is "''Gildor, son of Inglor''".
In ''The Book of Lost Tales'' Tolkien includes both the more serious 'medieval' type of elves such as [[Fëanor]] and [[Turgon]] alongside the frivolous, "Jacobean-era" type of elves such as the [[Solosimpi]] and [[Lúthien|Tinúviel]].<ref name="Anderson1" />


In songs and history, the epessë is usually used rather than the essi.
Tolkien also developed the idea of children visiting [[Valinor]] in their sleep. Elves would also visit and comfort chided or upset children at night. This theme was largely abandoned.<ref>{{LT1|I}}</ref>


=== Examples ===
However after the publication of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien repeatedly expressed his misgivings concerning the undesirable associations of the name "elf" like those of ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'', the Victorian notions of fairies or mischievous imps, the imaginations of Michael Drayton or the fanciful beings with butterfly wings.  
*'''[[Maglor]]''': The son of [[Fëanor]] of the [[House of Finwë]], was given the essi ''Canafinwë'' ("Strong-voiced [of] Finwë"). His amilessë was ''Makalaurë'' ("Forging Gold" in the poetic sense). The name Maglor is the [[Sindarin]] version of his mother-name.


* '''[[Ereinion Gil-galad]]''': The son of [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] was given the essi ''Rodnor''. His amilessë was ''Gil-galad'' ("Star of Radiance"). As [[High King of the Noldor]], his epessë was ''Ereinion'' ("Scion of Kings").
He proposed that in [[translations of The Lord of the Rings|translations]] the "oldest available form of the name" be used for more elevated notions of beings  "supposed to possess formidable magical powers in early Teutonic mythology" ([[OED]] viz. the [[Old English]] ''ælf'', from Proto-Germanic ''*albo-z''). Tolkien warned against associations to the debased English notion of ''elfin'' and suggested that Germans would not translate his Elves as ''Elf, elfen'', words which might retain the undesirable images.


*'''[[Finrod Felagund]]''': The son of [[Finarfin]] was given the essi of ''Findaráto'' ("[Golden-]Hair Champion"). His amilessë was ''Ingoldo'' ("The Noldo", singular for [[Noldor]]). He is usually referred to as ''Felagund'' ("Hewer of Caves"), originally a derogatory nickname given to him because of his dwelling at [[Nargothrond]]. Finrod adopted the name as his epessë and made it a title of honour. The name Finrod is the Sindarin version of his father-name.
He rather suggested words such as ''Alp, Alb'', historically the more normal form and true cognate of English ''elf''.<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 756, s.v. "Elven-smiths".</ref>
 
*'''[[Galadriel]]''': The only daughter of Finarfin was given the essi of ''Artanis'' ("Noble Woman") and the amilessë of ''Nerwen'' ("Man-maiden"). Her epessë, ''Alatáriel'' ("Maiden Crowned with Radiant Garland"), was given to her by her husband, [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]]. The name Galadriel is the Sindarin version of her epessë.
 
*'''[[Amras]]''': The last son of the House of Finwë was given the essi ''Telufinwë'', ("Last [of] Finwë"). His amilessë was ''Umbarto'' ("The Fated"). His mother's choice was prophetic, because Amras was the first of the [[sons of Fëanor]] to die, accidentally killed in the swan ships of the Teleri when his father ordered them to be burnt at [[Losgar]]. The name Amras is the Sindarin version of his father-name.
 
==Portrayal in Adaptions==
[[Image:Elven Archer at Helm's deep.jpeg|frame|[[Third Age]] Elven Warrior as portrayed by [[Peter Jackson]]]]
 
The Elves are generally associated with nature and trees, largely from the influence of [[Lothlórien]]. However, in the First Age they were more prone to live in caves than in trees.  In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], they were depicted as a fading race. In a scene from the Second Age, they were shown in Green and Gold, depicting the "height" of elven power. In the Third Age shots, they were in darker colors, depicting their "fading".
 
==Kingdoms of the Elves==
 
* [[Sindar]]in Kingdoms
** [[Doriath]], founded by [[Thingol]]
* [[Teleri]]n Kingdoms
** [[Alqualondë]], founded by [[Olwë]]; not so much a kingdom as a center of their culture and leadership
* [[Noldor]]in Kingdoms
** [[Hithlum]], the center of the Noldorin High Kingship
** [[Nargothrond]], founded by [[Finrod Felagund]]
** [[Gondolin]], founded by [[Turgon of Gondolin|Turgon]]
** [[Lothlórien]], founded by [[Amroth]]
* [[Silvan]] Kingdoms
** [[Mirkwood]] (this kingdom had Sindarin leadership)


== See Also ==
* '''[[:Category:Images of Elves|Images of Elves]]'''
{{references}}
{{elves}}
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Elben]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/elfes]]
[[fi:Haltiat]]

Revision as of 06:41, 29 April 2017

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
Elves
Race
Ted Nasmith - At Lake Cuiviénen.jpg
"At Lake Cuiviénen" by Ted Nasmith
General Information
Other namesPeople of the Stars, Firstborn, Elder Children of Ilúvatar
OriginsFirstborn of the Children of Ilúvatar
LocationsCuiviénen, Tirion, Taniquetil, Formenos, Alqualondë, Tol Eressëa, Doriath, Falas, Hithlum, Ossiriand, Vinyamar, Nargothrond, Gondolin, Edhellond, Mouths of Sirion, Isle of Balar, Lindon, Eldalondë, Eregion, Lothlórien, Rivendell, Mirkwood and Ithilien
RivalriesOrcs, Dwarves
LanguagesVarious Elvish languages, most notably Quenya and Sindarin; Westron
PeopleVanyar, Noldor, Teleri, Sindar, Nandor, Silvan, Falmari, Avari
MembersIngwë, Thingol, Finwë, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Gil-galad, Galadriel, Finrod, Sons of Fëanor, Lúthien, Fingon, Turgon, Idril, Maeglin, Círdan, Celeborn, Celebrimbor
Physical Description
LifespanArda's existence; near immortality
Average heightTall
Hair colorBlond, black, brown, red, and occasionally silver
Skin colorPale to tan
WeaponryTypically swords and bows
GalleryImages of Elves

The Elves (Quendi) were the first of the races of the Children of Ilúvatar, known also as the Firstborn for that reason. The Elves are distinguished from the other two races, the Men and the Dwarves, especially by the fact of their near immortality.

History

Awakening

Main article: Awakening of the Elves
Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves

About the same time that Varda, Queen of the Valier, ended her labors in creating the Stars, the Elves awoke beside the lake Cuiviénen. The first things they saw were the stars, and henceforth they adored them. The first sound they heard was the flowing of water, and henceforth they loved water as well.

They made speech then, and called themselves the Quendi. Melkor was the first to be aware of them, and he caused evil spirits to go about among them. When one or a small group wandered abroad, they would often vanish. It is believed that Melkor may have created Orcs with the elves he captured.

Oromë, the Huntsman of the Valar, happened upon them when he heard their singing far-off. He was amazed to see them, and called them the Eldar, "People of the Stars".

Sundering

Main article: Sundering of the Elves
Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves

Though at first the Quendi were afraid of Oromë, the noblest among them saw that he was no dark horseman, as the lies of Melkor claimed. He had the light of Aman in his eyes and face, and they were drawn to him.

After spending a while among the Quendi, Oromë returned to Valinor and took council with the other Valar and Valier. At the counsel of Ilúvatar, Manwë, King of the Valar, decided that they must go to war against Melkor to protect the Quendi from him. After a great battle and Siege of Utumno, which reshaped the earth itself, Melkor was bound and cast into the prison of Mandos. Then the Valar, pleased with the outcome, summoned the Elves to Valinor, seeking fellowship with them.

At Oromë's urging, many of the Elves (especially the kindreds of Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë) agreed. But others, henceforth called the Avari, declared that they preferred starlight and the wide spaces of Middle-earth. So the Elves were first sundered. During the journey to Belegaer, gradually the number of the Elves began to lessen as various groups dropped away. Some of the Teleri (kindred of Elwë) refused to cross the Misty Mountains, and settled in Anduin under the leadership of Lenwë, to be called later the Nandor. Elwë then went missing, and in dismay the rest of the Teleri remained behind, while the Noldor (kindred of Finwë) and Vanyar (kindred of Ingwë) used an island as a ship, and found at last Aman and Valinor.

After several years, Oromë returned to search for the Teleri. Some, under Olwë, relented and followed. Others remained to continue to search for Elwë. Still others, under Círdan, remained because in that time they had become devoted to Ossë and the Sea. Those Teleri that chose to remain were called the Sindar. Elwë, who had fallen asleep due to his enchantment with Melian, returned to claim lordship and establish them in Doriath. The Noldor and some of the Teleri, however, built the great cities of Tirion and Alqualondë (respectively) in Aman. The Vanyar dwelt in Valmar, for they were closest to the Valar of the kindreds.

Exile of the Noldor

Main article: Exile of the Noldor
Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin

Melkor, having been released on the promise of good behavior, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. Fëanor, the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest Elves to have ever lived, hated Melkor more than all the other Noldor, but was paradoxically one of the most influenced by his lies. He forged weapons, and his greatest works, the Silmarils, captured the light of the Two Trees – and his own heart. After Melkor stole the Silmarils and killed Finwë, Fëanor stirred the Noldor to open disobedience to the Valar. In an epic journey filled with treachery, death, and deceit, the Noldor entered in to Exile, crossing over into Beleriand.

Battles of Beleriand

Main article: Battles of Beleriand

There were five great battles fought in Beleriand. The First Battle was the result of an attack by Melkor on Círdan and Elwë (now known as Thingol). Though the Elves managed to resist the attack successfully, this left Melkor essentially with full reign of Beleriand. Upon the sudden and unanticipated Return of the Noldor, the tables were reversed in the Dagor-nuin-Giliath. The third battle (“Dagor Aglareb”) occurred when Melkor tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Elves, breaking forth from Angband. This only resulted in the vigilant Siege of Angband. Morgoth was more successful in the next battle, Dagor Bragollach, which ended in the deaths of many Elven princes, among them Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor. The siege was broken. Several decades later, Maedhros, eldest son of Fëanor, counterattacked in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Although at first very successful, the tide turned against the Elves, and ended in the destruction of Hithlum. It was not half a century later that Gondolin, the last real stronghold of the Noldor, was destroyed. Doriath, the center of the Sindarin realm, was sacked by Dwarves.

Ted Nasmith - Eärendil and The Battle of Eagles and Dragons

Salvation of the Elves

Main article: War of Wrath

With the near destruction of the Elves, the last survivors were at the Mouths of Sirion and Balar and were led by Gil-galad and Círdan. Among them was Eärendil, the son of Tuor and Idril. Eärendil made a miraculous voyage to Valinor to beg the pardon of the Valar. His request was granted. The Valar came across the Sea to Middle-earth, and in the War of Wrath thrust Morgoth into the Void and purged Beleriand. They offered to let the Elves return with them to Valinor; some accepted, but many others, under Gil-galad, chose to remain.

Decline of the Elves

Angus McBride - Celebrimbor

Though Morgoth was gone to trouble the world no longer, Sauron, his greatest servant, was still there, and he made war on the remaining Elves who chose not to depart Middle-earth throughout the Second and Third Ages.

During this time the Elves realized how Men were rising to take their place, and Sauron exploited their longing. Annatar corrupted Celebrimbor, the grandson of Fëanor, to wright the Rings of Power, especially the Three Rings to preserve the Elves. Annatar was a guise of Sauron who also forged a ring – the One Ring. However the Elves realized the deception and defied Sauron, who then waged War against them. In the following centuries Elves continued to heed the invitation of the Valar, desire the Sea and depart for the Undying Lands. Realms such as Dol Amroth were deserted and gave their place to Men.

It was not until the end of the Third Age that the One Ring was destroyed, marring the Three Rings at the same time. In the years that followed the last of the Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, their mission against Sauron complete, never to return.

Well into the Fourth Age and the Dominion of Men, most Elves apparently had left the Westlands, with most populations remaining at least in Mirkwood and Lindon. Rivendell and Lothlórien appeared mostly abandoned around the time of King Elessar's and Arwen's death.[1]

The Elves eventually faded, as their spirits overwhelmed and consumed their bodies. At the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, known as Lingerers, except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves.[2] Ilúvatar had not revealed the role of the Elves after the End.[3]

Life and Customs of the Elves

Main articles: Elven Characteristics, Elven Life cycle and Elven Customs

Besides being considered more beautiful than men, Elves were also generally taller. Their hair color varied; but the basic rules were that the Noldor generally had dark hair (brown or black), the Vanyar golden, and the Teleri silver or dark. Their eyes are usually described as gray.

Their lives were counted to begin at conception rather than birth, and though their minds sharpened much earlier in life than in the race of Men, their bodies grew more slowly. They were considered fully-grown at about a century. They married usually only once in their lives, and their children were often few and far-between.

Their most distinguishing characteristic from the Mortal races was the fact that they were invulnerable to age or disease; unless they were killed by sword or sorrow, they would live to the end of the world. Unlike Men whose fëar (spirits) left Arda when their bodies died, Elves' fëar were bound to Arda until its ending. If an Elf's hröa (body) died, its fëa would be summoned to the Halls of Mandos, where the Valar could re-embody Elf in a hröa that was identical to the Elf's previous hröa. However, if an Elf committed evil acts during their lifetime and refused to repent, the Valar could delay the Elf's re-embodiment, impose conditions on it, or refuse it altogether.[4][5] An Elf could refuse the summons to Mandos or choose to remain disembodied.[4][6], but the Elf's houseless fëa would still be unable to leave Arda.

Arts, Crafts, Powers and Magic

Other races often spoke of 'Elf magic', or of objects made by Elves as if they contained enchantments. It is unclear how accurate it is to call Elvish arts and crafts 'magic' or 'enchanted'. Elves themselves only used these words when attempting to simplify or clarify how elvish-made things seemed to have a special quality that no other races were able to achieve. Powerful Elves seemed to have control over nature and the elements, their clothes seemed to shine with their own light, their blades seemed to never lose their sharpness. Less educated folks couldn't explain these effects, so they simply called them 'magic'.

However, each race had its own special abilities that seemed incomprehensible to others. Hobbits had a seemingly supernatural ability to hide when they wished to remain unseen.[7] Dwarves were unmatched in the art of mining and building halls underground. Wizards had such wisdom and knowledge of the world and all things in it that they appeared to have mystical powers. To each of these races, what they did had nothing to do with magic, it was just how they did things. It may have been so too with Elves. Whether there was any kind of mystical energy involved in the things Elves made can never be proved or disproved.[8]

Languages

Main article: Elvish

Because Tolkien developed the Elves almost for his languages, those he developed are of special interest to many Tolkien scholars. His primary languages are Quenya and Sindarin, but these have many variants and dialects as is seen in the table below. They were generally written in the Cirth and Tengwar scripts.

Inspiration

Germanic influence

In The Book of Lost Tales, a diminutive fairy-like race of elves had once been a great and mighty people who had "diminished" as Men took over the world.[9][10][11] themselves influenced by the Elves of Northern European mythologies, especially the god-like and human-sized Ljósálfar of Norse mythology,[12] also appearing in medieval works such as Sir Orfeo, the Welsh Mabinogion, Arthurian romances and the legends of the Tuatha Dé Danann.[13]

Terry Gunnell also claims that the relationship between beautiful ships and the Elves is reminiscent of Njörðr and Skíðblaðni, Freyr's ship.[14]

Celtic influence

Tolkien expressed a dislike in Celtic legends and denied that his legendarium is "Celtic",[15] however it is believed that Celtic Mythology had a great influence on Tolkien's writings on Elves [16][14] and some of the stories Tolkien wrote as their 'legends' are directly influenced by it.[11] For example, the Noldor are based on the Tuatha Dé Danann in the Lebor Gabála Érenn, and their migratory nature comes from early Irish/Celtic history.[11] John Garth has also referenced the Tuatha Dé Danann in suggesting Tolkien was essentially rewriting Irish fairy traditions.

Tolkien also retains the usage of the Celtic and popular term 'fairy' for the same creatures.[17] The Elves are also called fair folk (based on Welsh Tylwyth teg 'the beautiful kindred' = fairies)[18] although they are unrelated to fairies.

Eschatology

The larger Elves are also inspired by Tolkien's Christian theology — as representing the state of Men in Eden who have not yet "fallen" — similar to humans but fairer and wiser, with greater spiritual powers, keener senses, and a closer empathy with nature, freed from human limitations, immortal, with wills directly effective for the achievement of imagination and desire.[19]

Fairies

Traditional "Victorian" dancing fairies and elves appear in Tolkien's early poetry,[9] and have influence upon his later works[20] in part due to the influence of a production of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan in Birmingham in 1910[19] and his familiarity with the work of Catholic mystic poet, Francis Thompson[19] whose work Tolkien had acquired in 1914.[9]

In The Book of Lost Tales Tolkien includes both the more serious 'medieval' type of elves such as Fëanor and Turgon alongside the frivolous, "Jacobean-era" type of elves such as the Solosimpi and Tinúviel.[13]

Tolkien also developed the idea of children visiting Valinor in their sleep. Elves would also visit and comfort chided or upset children at night. This theme was largely abandoned.[21]

However after the publication of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien repeatedly expressed his misgivings concerning the undesirable associations of the name "elf" like those of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Victorian notions of fairies or mischievous imps, the imaginations of Michael Drayton or the fanciful beings with butterfly wings.

He proposed that in translations the "oldest available form of the name" be used for more elevated notions of beings "supposed to possess formidable magical powers in early Teutonic mythology" (OED viz. the Old English ælf, from Proto-Germanic *albo-z). Tolkien warned against associations to the debased English notion of elfin and suggested that Germans would not translate his Elves as Elf, elfen, words which might retain the undesirable images.

He rather suggested words such as Alp, Alb, historically the more normal form and true cognate of English elf.[22]

See Also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen"
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Four. Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth: Author's Notes on the 'Commentary'", p. 339
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings", pp. 380, 389
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The case of the Quenya change of Þ to s", p. 334
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue", "Concerning Hobbits"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 131, (undated, written late 1951)
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Dimitra Fimi, "Mad" Elves and "elusive beauty": some Celtic strands of Tolkien's mythology in Folklore, vol. 117, iss. 2, August 2006, pp. 156–170
  12. Tom Shippey, The Road to Middle-earth
  13. 13.0 13.1 J.R.R. Tolkien and Douglas A. Anderson (ed.), The Annotated Hobbit, p. 120
  14. 14.0 14.1 Terry Gunnell, "Tívar in a Timeless Land: Tolkien's Elves" conference lecture delivered on 13 September 2002
  15. Humphrey Carpenter, J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography, p. 26
  16. John Garth, Tolkien and the Great War, p. 222
  17. Marjorie J. Burns, Perilous Realms: Celtic and Norse in Tolkien's Middle-earth, p. 22
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 757 cf. "Fair folk"
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 Humphrey Carpenter, J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography
  20. Dimitra Fimi, "Come sing ye light fairy things tripping so gay: Victorian Fairies and the Early Work of J. R. R. Tolkien". Working With English: Medieval and Modern Language, Literature and Drama. Retrieved 11/01/08
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "I. The Cottage of Lost Play"
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 756, s.v. "Elven-smiths".
Elves
(Quendi · People of the Stars · Firstborn · Elder Kindred)
Three Kindreds:
(Eldar · Eldalië · Edhil)
 Vanyar (Fair-elves · Minyar) · Noldor (Deep-elves · Tatyar) · Teleri (Lindar · Nelyar)
Calaquendi:
(High-elves · Amanyar)
 Vanyar · Noldor · Falmari
Úmanyar:  Sindar (Grey-elves · Eglath · Falathrim) · Nandor (Green-elves · Silvan Elves)
 Moriquendi:  Úmanyar · Avari (Cuind · Hwenti · Kindi · Kinn-lai · Penni · Windan)
See also:  Awakening of the Elves · Sundering of the Elves · Great Journey