Ordianry folks take on Elves - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Birdland · 11-25-2002, 01:59 AM

It's really hard to put yourselves in the Hobbits' "shoes" regarding Elves. In our own world of mortals, whatever we may think of other cultures and races, we all pretty well know that they eat, sleep, and die, same as the rest of us.

That's not the case with the Hobbits. They know for a fact that there is a race of beings on Middle Earth who are immortal and have magical powers. Shoot, they have even adjusted to the fact that a wizard can pop in every now and then and treat them to a fireworks show.

Now you don't get the feeling that they regard the Elves as some sort of demi-gods. And they don't even seem to react to them with fear and awe, like Thomas the Rhymer in "fair Elf-Land".

If Sam's wish to "see the Elves" is any indication, they are almost regarded as a wonderful tourist destination that most will never get to see, due to the expense of the journey, and the bother of dealing with "foreigners".

While watching the scene in the movie where Frodo and Gandalf discuss the Ring, it struck me how "matter-of-fact" the whole conversation was. Obviously they are worried and scared, but at least Gandalf doesn't have to spend a good half-hour convincing Frodo that Dark Lords, magic Rings, and immortal Elves really exist. To Frodo, that is a given. How many of us would react in the same way?

Gandalf - "That's the One Ring! It is full of dark magic and evil powers!"

One of us - "Magic? Right, Gandalf, what have you been smoking?"

Gandalf - "No, really! It's true..."

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11-25-2002, 01:59 AM	#3
Birdland Ghastly Neekerbreeker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto Posts: 1,751	It's really hard to put yourselves in the Hobbits' "shoes" regarding Elves. In our own world of mortals, whatever we may think of other cultures and races, we all pretty well know that they eat, sleep, and die, same as the rest of us. That's not the case with the Hobbits. They know for a fact that there is a race of beings on Middle Earth who are immortal and have magical powers. Shoot, they have even adjusted to the fact that a wizard can pop in every now and then and treat them to a fireworks show. Now you don't get the feeling that they regard the Elves as some sort of demi-gods. And they don't even seem to react to them with fear and awe, like Thomas the Rhymer in "fair Elf-Land". If Sam's wish to "see the Elves" is any indication, they are almost regarded as a wonderful tourist destination that most will never get to see, due to the expense of the journey, and the bother of dealing with "foreigners". While watching the scene in the movie where Frodo and Gandalf discuss the Ring, it struck me how "matter-of-fact" the whole conversation was. Obviously they are worried and scared, but at least Gandalf doesn't have to spend a good half-hour convincing Frodo that Dark Lords, magic Rings, and immortal Elves really exist. To Frodo, that is a given. How many of us would react in the same way? Gandalf - "That's the One Ring! It is full of dark magic and evil powers!" One of us - "Magic? Right, Gandalf, what have you been smoking?" Gandalf - "No, really! It's true..."