Elves and the Elements

[Andsigil]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

I think the Elves were the most resistant to elemental factors, as well as physical injury. Several First Age instances, such as the amputation of Maedhros's hand,

Not to mention the fact that he was hanged on the slopes of Thangorodrim for years, presumably exposed to volcanic effects and mountain weather at its worst.

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Interestingly, in the passage about Legolas's shoes cited by Nerwen it is also noted that Legolas didn't make much imprint in the snow. I wonder if the unique nature of the closeness of the Elves to the natural world, as they are "tied" to Arda, would account for that, giving them a certain immunity from physical pain and discomfort.

So, what are we to make of the elves' journey across Helcaraxë and all of the elven casualties, then? Is it reasonable to assume that there was supernatural cold to which the elves succumbed, or were all of the deaths due to shifting ice and drowning, polar bears, killer whales, etc?