An Elf with shapeshifting ability? Why? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Legate of Amon Lanc · 09-11-2007, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfirin

My Silmarillion is a bit rusty, But doent's Luthien's shape changing ability derive entirely from the fact that she is wrapped in Thuringwethil's shaping cloak/skin? if this is the case wouldn't anyone who had the cloak be able to shapeshift?

Indeed

It is true that maybe not every peasant would be able to do that, but who knows? Bless you for mentioning this.

*walks away, probably going to check if sclerosis is a serious problem in this age*

Meriadoc1961 · 09-13-2007, 02:35 PM

It is obvious to me that I need to re-read the Silmarillion. It's been at the very least 15 years.

Thanks for the interesting topic.

Merry

cesar.ewok · 09-20-2007, 02:27 PM

Furthermore, I don't really think that anyone but the Valar had shapeshifting abilities (except for skin-changers like Beorn; but note that he could only shapeshift to a bear), because it's told in HoMe X that "Only the Valar and the Maiar are intelligences that can assume the forms of Arda at will." (My italics.)

Moreover, Elwing wasn't capable of shapeshifting into a bird without Ulmo's hand: "For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the waves, and he gave her the likeness of a great white bird, and upon her breast there shone as a star the Silmaril, as she flew over the water to seek Eärendil her beloved."

09-13-2007, 02:35 PM	#2
Meriadoc1961 Wight Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 101	It is obvious to me that I need to re-read the Silmarillion. It's been at the very least 15 years. Thanks for the interesting topic. Merry __________________ "If I yawn again, I shall split at the ears!"

09-20-2007, 02:27 PM	#3
cesar.ewok Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 25	Furthermore, I don't really think that anyone but the Valar had shapeshifting abilities (except for skin-changers like Beorn; but note that he could only shapeshift to a bear), because it's told in HoMe X that "Only the Valar and the Maiar are intelligences that can assume the forms of Arda at will." (My italics.) Moreover, Elwing wasn't capable of shapeshifting into a bird without Ulmo's hand: "For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the waves, and he gave her the likeness of a great white bird, and upon her breast there shone as a star the Silmaril, as she flew over the water to seek Eärendil her beloved." Last edited by cesar.ewok; 06-12-2008 at 12:22 AM.