The Difference of the Species

[Nukapei]

Whoops, bad wording on my part! I'm fully aware of the biological classification of the different races (better term, perhaps? ), and have often wondered what they would think if told this. I was simply asking how the different races would tell the difference between them. The fact that Elves "glowed" is interesting -- so, you see a potential Elf / Man, if he glows he's an Elf, if he doesn't he isn't? Is it only the skin that glows (so a heavily clothed humanoid can cause confusion), hence Tuor (and the reason his face gave him away?

[Legolas]

No, I think your question was worded appropriately...I was addressing certain responses instead of your initial post. I think elves and men would be able to recognize based on the basic characteristics we know about each. On the whole, apparently men were shorter, except for the Numenoreans. You don't really hear of blonde haired men, so that would be a distinguishing trait.

I was looking for some specific quotes that come to mind that speak of the elves' aura, just a presence about them...I'll post again when I find them.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Legolas

You don't really hear of blonde haired men, so that would be a distinguishing trait.

Hardly.

The House of Hador, its related ancestors of the Northmen, the Northmen, some of the Numenoreans, and the descendents of the Northmen (aka the Rohirrim) are all said to have been "golden-haired".

It is the Elves that are rare as blond/blondes.

Of the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri, only the Vanyar are said to have been predominantly blond. The Noldor and the Teleri (including the branches of Sindar, Nandor, Silvan, Avari), who are the Elves seen in Middle-earth, are described as mainly dark-haired. Only a smattering of silver-heads, copper-tops, and golden-tresses among them.