I've just been browsing back through the posts and this comment from Saucepan Man made me think:
Quote:
Quote:
"Daro!" it said in commanding tone, and Legolas dropped back to the earth in surprise and fear. He shrank against the bole of the tree.
"Stand still!" he whispered to the others. "Do not move or speak!"
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It's notable that Legolas is not only startled, but also frightened, by the challenge, notwithstanding that he must surely recognise the voice as that of an Elf. But it's a nice moment of tension, albeit one which is swiftly broken by the laughter of the Lorien Elves.
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I often get the impression that amongst us as readers, the most common opinion of elves is that they are a benevolent people, gentle, beautiful and artistic. They are indeed all of these things, but Elves are also quite frightening, intimidating people. Consider that they have had many lifetimes of men to hone their fighting skills, and have untold and possibly 'magical' powers. The Elves in Mirkwood in The Hobbit are incredibly frightening and come across at first as quite unpleasant. Elrond and Galadriel are intimidatingly powerful, and Legolas rarely misses his mark as a hunter. Sometimes I find myself wondering if they are too perfect! It doesn't surprise me that Elves even intimidate each other, given their skills and powers.