Meeting Elves - How would you have coped?

[Elmo]

If we actually lived in Middle Earth and we came into contact with sentient beings who never aged, never died, knew you great-great-great-great grandfather etc? How would you have reacted? Would you have been a nice, loyal, goody two shoes faithful and just accepted your mortality as your lot in life all would you have got all Black Numenorean?

If I'm to be honest I think I would have been more similar to Phrazon (no human sacrifices though) then say Aragorn or Elendil...

[Raynor]

sentient beings who never aged

Cirdan is described in The Grey Havens as "grey and old". Tolkien comments in various places about the fading of the elves, due to the fire of their fea that consumes their hroa ("Laws and customs of the Eldar"), and due to the marring of Melkor that accelerates this ("Athrabeth").

Originally Posted by Lost Tales, Part One

, whereas the Eldar dwell till the Great End, unless they be slain or waste in grief (for to both of these deaths are they subject), nor doth eld subdue their strenght, except it may be ten thousand centuries, and dying they are reborn in their children....

And considering Cirdan is about the oldest creature yet living in Middle-Earth, he might very wel be grey and old....
I can't really think of how I would have coped with the exitence of Elves, I probaly wouldn't be bothered by it to much though...

[MatthewM]

Why do you see it fit to jump at such a minor correction? You didn't even answer the question, and it is clear what hewhoarisesinmight meant. I don't understand why people are so quick to correct others on such trivial things.

Anyway, for my part, I will answer the question, and to be honest I don't know how I would react. Placing myself in a position as Boromir was in, for example, I would be somewhat freaked out. If I was a little more aware of the culture, like Aragorn was, I would be more calm. Either way though, I would certainly be in awe of the beauty of their surroundings...and would love a good tale of old.

[The 1,000 Reader]

I'd probably think that they were just humans until I noticed the ears. Then I'd think 'Cool, an elf.'

[Boo Radley]

Originally Posted by The 1,000 Reader

I'd probably think that they were just humans until I noticed the ears. Then I'd think 'Cool, an elf.'

But don't ever call them a Vulcan. Man, they HATE that!