Where do elves get metal?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by skip spence

Wasn't it also implied or stated that Maeglin's and his father Eöl's keen interest in mining and smithcraft was rather looked down on by the other nobles? That it was below their station to go under ground and dig for ore and that they became bent by their labour? It does seem a rather un-Elvish thing to do.

Then again, didn't Morgoth value his Noldorin slaves for their skills in mining and smithwork?

[Belegorn]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Then again, didn't Morgoth value his Noldorin slaves for their skills in mining and smithwork?

At least in BoLT it is mentioned how he used the enslaved Elves to build his machines.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Belegorn

At least in BoLT it is mentioned how he used the enslaved Elves to build his machines.

The Silmarillion, in Of Túrin Turambar states:

For few of the Noldor whom Morgoth captured were put to death, because of their skill in forging and in mining for metals and gems...

I doubt Thranduil's people did that stuff, but they could once have had trade with Dwarves of Erebor, the Iron Hills, or even long ago Moria, and still had arrow points and such stockpiled. After all, arrows can usually be retrieved.