Celtic Elves? Jackson’s design and the Elves of the films

[mhagain]

Tolkien's Elves are definitely Celtic in inspiration; see http://www.libraryireland.com/Ancien...Sidhe-Race.php

they must die without hope of regaining heaven, while mortals are certain of immortality. Therefore this one sorrow darkens their life, a mournful envy of humanity; because, while man is created immortal, the beautiful fairy race is doomed to annihilation.

And: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuatha_...endary_history

...they arrived in ships on the coast of the Conmaicne Mara's territory. They immediately burnt the ships...

Plus, in the Silmarillion at least, they are right bastards.