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Birdland · 11-09-2002, 02:00 PM

One thing that hasn't been addressed in this thread is the issue of Elven immortality. In mortals, a "class system" is much easier to maintain. We only have a few short years on this planet to progress and grow. Due to a combination of inate intelligence, birth, location, health, natural interests and inclinations, and a dose of "luck" or "destiny" many of us may not rise to our highest potential before we shuffle off this mortal coil.

But if you had "all the time in the world"? Things might be a lot different. For one example: the handmaidens of Galadriel are mentioned in the book, who assisted her in the weaving of the Elven cloaks. Obviously they could be regarded as part of the servant class, and were not on an equal footing as Galadriel. Also I think I read that Elrond was once a lowly Standard Bearer.

I'm sure Elrond and the handmaidens served well and faithfully, but would anyone be satisfied with being a handmaiden or standard bearer for three, four, or five thousand years?

I like to think that Elven society was based on a vast, interelated mentoring or apprenticeship program. When an Elven child starts developing an interest in a certain idea or skill, they were probably sent to learn more about it to an older Elf who was an expert in this area and was willing to teach. Perhaps the younger Elf would act as a servant to his or her mentor in exchange for this teaching. (You could learn alot when you never age and seldom sleep).

But eventually you would want more information, or perhaps you felt that you had learned all you could on a particular subject and wanted to "move on". Well, then you would move on to another mentor.

I'm imagine that some Elves would "dabble", seeking knowledge of various crafts and lore, but never really settling on one interest. Others would stay within certain circles, and become known as master artisans, warriors, healers, statemen, or whatever. But a master musician, say, if she wanted to learn more about weaving, might agree to "lower her status" and become a handmaid, in exchange for learning more about this particular art form.

And so it would go, everyone becoming either teacher or student for as long as they wanted. And either serving or leading depending on the times and their own inclinations.

Gee, it sounds like a lot more fun than "12 years and out the door", doesn't it?

[ November 09, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

11-09-2002, 02:00 PM	#13
Birdland Ghastly Neekerbreeker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto Posts: 1,751	One thing that hasn't been addressed in this thread is the issue of Elven immortality. In mortals, a "class system" is much easier to maintain. We only have a few short years on this planet to progress and grow. Due to a combination of inate intelligence, birth, location, health, natural interests and inclinations, and a dose of "luck" or "destiny" many of us may not rise to our highest potential before we shuffle off this mortal coil. But if you had "all the time in the world"? Things might be a lot different. For one example: the handmaidens of Galadriel are mentioned in the book, who assisted her in the weaving of the Elven cloaks. Obviously they could be regarded as part of the servant class, and were not on an equal footing as Galadriel. Also I think I read that Elrond was once a lowly Standard Bearer. I'm sure Elrond and the handmaidens served well and faithfully, but would anyone be satisfied with being a handmaiden or standard bearer for three, four, or five thousand years? I like to think that Elven society was based on a vast, interelated mentoring or apprenticeship program. When an Elven child starts developing an interest in a certain idea or skill, they were probably sent to learn more about it to an older Elf who was an expert in this area and was willing to teach. Perhaps the younger Elf would act as a servant to his or her mentor in exchange for this teaching. (You could learn alot when you never age and seldom sleep). But eventually you would want more information, or perhaps you felt that you had learned all you could on a particular subject and wanted to "move on". Well, then you would move on to another mentor. I'm imagine that some Elves would "dabble", seeking knowledge of various crafts and lore, but never really settling on one interest. Others would stay within certain circles, and become known as master artisans, warriors, healers, statemen, or whatever. But a master musician, say, if she wanted to learn more about weaving, might agree to "lower her status" and become a handmaid, in exchange for learning more about this particular art form. And so it would go, everyone becoming either teacher or student for as long as they wanted. And either serving or leading depending on the times and their own inclinations. Gee, it sounds like a lot more fun than "12 years and out the door", doesn't it? [ November 09, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]