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Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man
I do not dispute that same sex marriages (ie formalised unions) do not exist in M-e. But that does not preclude same sex relationships (which have occured throughout our history).
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Sauce's comment here is historically perceptive, as it has been argued that
homosexuality is a cultural construct, while the expression of human sexuality is not. It might be interesting to examine the Northern Sagas, as well as Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythologies, for the representations of same sex relationships, although the existing texts are all very much influenced by the large-scale conversion to Christianity. For instance, in early western societies, rape was used as a military weapon to enforce the humiliation of defeat--rape of both males and females, as was castration and other forms of bodily mutilation.
In agrarian cultures, the creation of families had an economic function and everyone, regardless of personal inclination or preferences, was expected to contribute to the economic well being of the society. Extra hands--children--were needed to work the fields while younger hands--children--were needed to provide for adults in their declining years.
But another way to consider this question is related to the dwarven culture. Male dwarves out-numbered female dwarves. This is consistent with some of the historical records of Scandinavian countries, where women were also "in short supply." (And has been argued is a reason for the relatively more empowered status of women in some Scandinavian cultures.) What happens to male sexual "expression" when this happens? Tolkien has left us with this culture that apparently disappears because of its low fertility rate. So what's a dwarven guy to do who carries his shield in his right hand and his axe in his left? There's either going to be the prevalance of same sex experiences or of "inter racial" experiences 'cause sooner or later those weapons are going to be put down, at least temporarily. Idle hands?
On the other hand, sexuality is pretty much absent from Tolkien's work, except in iconic expressions. Of this absence, a veritable silence, much can in fact be said. Whether gamers are truly interested in exploring this as it relates seriously and legitimately (or even comically) to Tolkien, is another question. Their interest lies largely I would suspect in exploring potentials for gaming. Those--the historical impetus and the gaming urge--are not necessarily similar.