Quote:
Originally Posted by Galin
And I will attempt to dis-simplify this matter 
This idea [from Laws And Customs] of 50 or for some 100 years for Elven physical maturity is not only [arguably] not Tolkien's only idea about this matter, it is arguably not his latest idea on the subject.
It might be his most 'in depth' version on paper, but I think Tolkien later abandoned it for a simpler idea. |
Then let me once more attempt to re-simplify the matter. The idea of Men growing slower than Elves is not just found in Laws and Customs.
The Children of Hurin, which is actually published as a complete story and edited to fit also has this notion.
Sador may be wrong, but his information is supported elsewhere.
'for in their first youth the Children of Men and Elves seem close akin. But the children of Men grow more swiftly and their youth passes soon; such is our fate.'
Ultimately as you yourself have done prior, I give precedent to actually published stories over notes, unless there is a clear mistake which Christopher Tolkien later clears up.
I don't have the Vinyar Tengwar and know the full context of that quote.
We do have the essay in Morgoth's ring which is Tolkien's most extensive work on the subject and it is corroborated by Sador's words.
As for the 3,000 years that seems to have been a disregarded idea, because considering the time frame we have, then the fourth generation descendants of Finwe like Idril would not be born before the rebellion.
I will look up things and write more in depth later.