Annunfuiniel. I can see all the points being made here (I Love the Kalevala, by the way. First time I read it I read for about 3 hours straight, & the effect of the poetry was very strange - quite hypnotic).
But sub creation doesn't require writing, let alone printing. Also Tolkien wrote one of his most moving stories, Leaf by Niggle, about a sub creator. I'm not (however I may come across) making any point here, I'm really just asking the question. If, as Tolkien said, sub creation is the ultimate expression of human creativity, why no sub creation in his world? Sub creation is central to his understanding of human nature, yet, its absent from his created world. He seems to consider it to be the highest expression of human creativity, yet his greatest creators, his greatest artists, don't produce an example of the highest art form. And Niggle shows that the idea of a sub created world containing a sub creator wasn't an idea that hadn't occurred to him.
I have difficulty with the idea of the Elves 'embellishing' their history, as that throws everything into question, & leaves us not able to trust any of the legends. Everyone from Elrond & Galadriel down could be making stuff up!.
I also feel that myth is creative - whether consciously or unconsciously creative is the question. It comes from the human mind, its not imposed.
I have to say I'm feeling pretty isolated in the position I've taken, but I'm not trying to be awkward [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
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