Origin of Elves? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Hans Markus Rod · 06-04-2003, 09:57 AM

Tolkien has a lot of ispiration from celtic and nordic mythology. I do not know what has inspired him to show the elves as fair and noble. As a Norwegean i know a bit about nordic mythology, and several places i the Edda, which was one of Tolkien inspirationsources, elves are described as both wise and noble, but they were wrightning to the common people because so little was to be known about them.
You should read the Edda works by Snorre Sturlason, I have done it myself, but i am planning to read it during the Summer vacation.

06-04-2003, 09:57 AM	#2
Hans Markus Rod Pile O'Bones Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Asker Posts: 23	Tolkien has a lot of ispiration from celtic and nordic mythology. I do not know what has inspired him to show the elves as fair and noble. As a Norwegean i know a bit about nordic mythology, and several places i the Edda, which was one of Tolkien inspirationsources, elves are described as both wise and noble, but they were wrightning to the common people because so little was to be known about them. You should read the Edda works by Snorre Sturlason, I have done it myself, but i am planning to read it during the Summer vacation. __________________ 'In this bloody dawn I will wash my sword, to call the spirit of vengeance, to deny my wisdom for anger, to break the scream of the silent foe and to be the Son of Doom.'