Lothlorien- self sufficient community? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lady Snickerdoodle · 06-03-2004, 01:31 PM

The Mirkwood elves traded with the Lakemen and went hunting, the Rivendell elves let anyone into their valley, but what excuse does Lothlorien have? Looking at it from an economic standpoint, it must be self sufficient because they don't frequently let others pass their borders, ruling out trading, and nowhere does it mention hunting or crop cultivation. It does mention baking lembas but even the hobbits found that got old after a while... So how did that work? Any thoughts? Business reports? Random rantings from people in the wrong thread?

Morsul the Dark · 06-03-2004, 01:41 PM

well it didt mention hunting however, they are elves and great bowmen and the were on the anduin they could have fished.

Bombadil · 06-03-2004, 09:08 PM

I agree with Morsul about the possibilities of fishing and hunting. Let's not forget also the name Lorien was after the Vala who was known for his beautiful gardens, I'm sure there were plenty of gardens with luscious fruits and veggies for all!

Saraphim · 06-04-2004, 12:36 AM

Yeah, in a forest the prospects for hunting and cultivating, especially tree-grown food, is large.

Am I wrong, or did they only give lembas on special occaisions to special wayward travelers (ie the fellowship)?

But I'm sure they could have changed a few adjectives around, making it "stay at home bread" instead of "waybread"

NightKnight · 06-04-2004, 12:09 PM

Also, they were elves. I don't think they needed much food. The impression I get from elves is that they don't need to eat, since they can't starve to death anyway.

Ophelia · 06-04-2004, 12:36 PM

I agree - there were fruit trees around Lorien , there was the river , they were not on "you" with growing plants and vegetables so , we can say that Lothlorien was in a very economicly advantageous location that allowed them to be this self sufficient community .
And I do not suppose that a starved elf and a happy elf are two phrases that go together , though it says in the book that the Elves of Lorien were joyfull . But that`s just a thought ...

Ophelia

Araréiel · 07-06-2004, 04:56 PM

I just alwasy assumed that, not only did they not eat much, but that they did grow food and hunt. It just wasn't mentioned for whatever reason, almost like a given.

06-03-2004, 01:31 PM	#1
Lady Snickerdoodle Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: in the cookie jar Posts: 256	Lothlorien- self sufficient community? The Mirkwood elves traded with the Lakemen and went hunting, the Rivendell elves let anyone into their valley, but what excuse does Lothlorien have? Looking at it from an economic standpoint, it must be self sufficient because they don't frequently let others pass their borders, ruling out trading, and nowhere does it mention hunting or crop cultivation. It does mention baking lembas but even the hobbits found that got old after a while... So how did that work? Any thoughts? Business reports? Random rantings from people in the wrong thread? __________________ "Let me handle this, I'm British." ~hitchhikers guide

06-03-2004, 01:41 PM	#2
Morsul the Dark Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 3,448	well it didt mention hunting however, they are elves and great bowmen and the were on the anduin they could have fished. __________________ Morsul the Resurrected

06-03-2004, 09:08 PM	#3
Bombadil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Old Forest Posts: 488	I agree with Morsul about the possibilities of fishing and hunting. Let's not forget also the name Lorien was after the Vala who was known for his beautiful gardens, I'm sure there were plenty of gardens with luscious fruits and veggies for all! __________________ "'Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.'"

06-04-2004, 12:36 AM	#4
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	Yeah, in a forest the prospects for hunting and cultivating, especially tree-grown food, is large. Am I wrong, or did they only give lembas on special occaisions to special wayward travelers (ie the fellowship)? But I'm sure they could have changed a few adjectives around, making it "stay at home bread" instead of "waybread" __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

06-04-2004, 12:09 PM	#5
NightKnight Lost among the Stars Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hiding in Childhood (Sweden) Posts: 2,690	Also, they were elves. I don't think they needed much food. The impression I get from elves is that they don't need to eat, since they can't starve to death anyway. __________________ There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who can count, and those who can't.

06-04-2004, 12:36 PM	#6
Ophelia Wight Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: somewhere between the sacred , silence and sweet . Posts: 169	I agree - there were fruit trees around Lorien , there was the river , they were not on "you" with growing plants and vegetables so , we can say that Lothlorien was in a very economicly advantageous location that allowed them to be this self sufficient community . And I do not suppose that a starved elf and a happy elf are two phrases that go together , though it says in the book that the Elves of Lorien were joyfull . But that`s just a thought ... Ophelia __________________ I didn't lose my mind . It was mine to give away .

07-06-2004, 04:56 PM	#7
Araréiel Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 92	I just alwasy assumed that, not only did they not eat much, but that they did grow food and hunt. It just wasn't mentioned for whatever reason, almost like a given.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode