Elves, Men, and Perceptions of Time - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morwen Tindomerel · 06-11-2003, 06:03 PM

Tolkien himself condemned the Elves for their tendency towards 'embalming' trying to stop change.

This is however principly the weakness of the Exiles, who'd become accustomed to the changelessness, or rather snail paced, change of Aman. So this weakness of the Elves may in fact be due to the meddling of the Valar.

Galadriel is the most flagrant 'embalmer' using the power of her Ring to turn Lorien into a faux-Aman with 'trees and grasses that do not die'. Thus showing a chilling degree of detachment from the normal cycles of life.

Elrond, probably due to his Sindarin and Mortal blood, seems able to cope with change. At least Rivendell doesn't have the unnatural atmosphere of Lorien. Neither does Thranduil's Woodland Realm. Sindar and Silvan Elves may not be thrilled by the quick rate of change in ME but are unperturbed by the natural cycles of life. Presumably this is one of the reasons they decided *not* to go to Aman.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

06-11-2003, 06:03 PM	#2
Morwen Tindomerel Wight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minas Anor or Annuminas the Golden Posts: 187	Tolkien himself condemned the Elves for their tendency towards 'embalming' trying to stop change. This is however principly the weakness of the Exiles, who'd become accustomed to the changelessness, or rather snail paced, change of Aman. So this weakness of the Elves may in fact be due to the meddling of the Valar. Galadriel is the most flagrant 'embalmer' using the power of her Ring to turn Lorien into a faux-Aman with 'trees and grasses that do not die'. Thus showing a chilling degree of detachment from the normal cycles of life. Elrond, probably due to his Sindarin and Mortal blood, seems able to cope with change. At least Rivendell doesn't have the unnatural atmosphere of Lorien. Neither does Thranduil's Woodland Realm. Sindar and Silvan Elves may not be thrilled by the quick rate of change in ME but are unperturbed by the natural cycles of life. Presumably this is one of the reasons they decided not to go to Aman.