I now pronounce you Dwarf & Hobbit...oops!

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by davem

I'm arguing that the humans in Tolkien's world are humans as he conceived them to be – not humans as they are in the primary world. In other words, they are just as much a 'fantasy' race as Elves, Dwarves or Ents. . . .I think its clear from the article I linked to & from the Laws & Customs essay, that Elves did not have casual sex, that the sexual act, if consensual, was equivalent to marriage, & that sex within marriage was principally, if not solely, for procreation. Hence, Elves are heterosexual by nature, & asexual by inclination.

It's fantasy sex then. Functions only for reproduction or ill-gotten gains of power. No pleasure or desire (as opposed to lust), no emotional or psychological bonds. Partnering for prosperity and much of the messy bits left out.

And the next question must be, of Tolkien's heroines, does she or doesn't she?