Stereotypes

[Eönwë]

Originally Posted by Gwathagor

The idea of elves as a highly developed culture originates in Middle-Earth for sure. In the older fairy tales of which I am aware, elves are simply another species of rustic woodland sprite, rather than great craftsmen, loremasters, and artisans.

But what about the whole gnome (who later became the Noldor) thing? I'm sure it says something about him meaning "gnome" (from Greek, I believe) in the knowledgeable sense, and he got that from somewhere (Sadly I have no copy on me right now).

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

If I were to say whom I really think close to this, it will be only one person, and that's Tuor, who is personally in contact with one of the Valar (!) and is given a certain task.

But if we go with elves, then I would say that the "prophet" among them would be Cirdan.

[Gwathagor]

Originally Posted by Eönwë

But what about the whole gnome (who later became the Noldor) thing? I'm sure it says something about him meaning "gnome" (from Greek, I believe) in the knowledgeable sense, and he got that from somewhere (Sadly I have no copy on me right now).

I think that is based on a convenient similarity between the words "gnome" and "ginoskow" (greek "to know"), rather than an actual etymological connection between the words. Perhaps a bit of academic linguistic cleverness on Tolkien's part than actual scholarship. It's more likely that "gnome" comes from "genomos", which means "earth-dweller" - and Tolkien would have obviously known this.