If you HAD to be an Elf... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Erurin · 04-28-2011, 12:08 PM

If you HAD to be an Elf, what kind would you be?
Okay, I know that many people would not count it as "HAD to," but the Elves have it tough in Arda (Middle-earth).
Would you be:
A High Elf from Rivendell?
A Wood Elf from Mirkwood?
A Galadhrim from Lorien?
A Noldorin Exile?
A Moriquendi (Elf who never saw the Light of the Two Trees in Valinor {"mor-"= dark; "quendi" from "quenya"=to speak/ an Elf})?
One of the Peredhil (Half-Elves who have to choose the Fate of Men or the Doom of the Eldar)?
And where would you live?

Erurin · 04-28-2011, 12:16 PM

I would, myself, be a Noldorin Exile. It would be a pain, but these Elves are the most heroic of the Houses (in my opinion).

They were the most skilled in weaponcraft, craftsmanship in general, and in battle their magic seems to be the most potent after the Teleri Elves.
However, I would not bind myself to the Oath of Feanor; I would follow King Turgon, who had the favor of Ulmo. I would be one of the Gondolindrim and seek after good and not gain, unlike the cursed House of Feanor. After the Fall of Gondolin, I would follow Tuor son of Huor. If I survive the First Age and do not return to Valinor, I would live in Lothlorien and be one of the Elvish Watchmen.

Mithalwen · 04-28-2011, 01:39 PM

Hi and welcome to the Downs.

I wouldn't be any of those. I'd choose the Teleri because I love the sea (but not sailing) and singing and my hair started turning silver when I was seventeen...and silver hair is practically a status symbol with the Teleri. I think Mithlond would be a good place to live and the elves there seem to have more of a purpose - even if it is just to facilitate the departure of those seeking the straight road.

Just for future reference - I don't want to put a damper on your first efforts but this sort of thread really belongs in Novices and Newcomers because it is a personal preference thing rather than something that involves discussion of topics that need to be supported by reference to the texts. Don't worry you will soon get a feel for the place.

Erurin · 04-28-2011, 01:51 PM

Okay, Mithalwen. Sorry for the mix-up.

Mithalwen · 04-28-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erurin

Okay, Mithalwen. Sorry for the mix-up.

Oh you don't have to apologise to me and one of the mods will probably move it in due course! Please don't be discouraged - it is great to have new people around and lighter threads are as welcome as the very serious ones. It isn't perhaps clear from the section titles.

Galadriel55 · 04-28-2011, 03:17 PM

As appealing as Teleri life is, I'd prefer to be an sinda of Doriath, and after that - of Lorien.

Galadriel55 · 04-28-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erurin

One of the Peredhil (Half-Elves who have to choose the Fate of Men or the Doom of the Eldar)?

But if you are a peredhel, you can also choose to be mortal (more on this here). Or do you have to choose Elves' fate?

blantyr · 04-29-2011, 07:34 AM

I think I'll go with the background I gave Goldie. She was born in the Tower Hills. I see her living a hunter gather existence during the fair months, settling into small cities near the sea in winter. As she grew older, her travels would get wider. She'd spend some time with the wandering companies in the Wild, and perhaps occasionally winter in Rivendell.

The elves seem to be both close to nature and sophisticated artists. They can live off the land, yet surround themselves with well crafted art that is also useful and practical. I see her chasing sheep in the mountains in the spring, to help remove their fleece, in the valley of strawberries in summer, climbing trees to shake down acorns in the fall, then curling up in a corner of Rivendell's Hall of Fire in the winter.

In my mind, I'd see it as a sequence of festivals, with the migrant hunter-gatherers moving from place to place to suit the seasons. Especially in youth, she'd be expected to learn how to survive and gather food in various places and seasons. At the same time, there would be some art which she would be learning as well. Goldie's art is song, but a weaver of cloth, shipwright or cook could each in their own way dedicate their lives to creating a beauty shared by the community.

I also see more magic in Tolkien than some. A singer traveling the Wild singing songs to Elbereth would be cleansing the land of the Shadow. I saw this as a function of the wandering companies.

This might not be canon, but I wanted a character who could both sing and handle herself well in the wild. Given she was born in a time where the Shadow was weak west of the mountains, it seemed plausible. I thought those living a long life would seek variety. I saw no mention of elves farming or herding, thus thought to work from a hunter gatherer lifestyle. Thus, I created a life of traveling from one party to another, doing what is necessary, beautiful and fun.

narfforc · 04-29-2011, 11:35 AM

I'd be someone like Eol, just to keep away from all those boring tree-huggers..

blantyr · 04-29-2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by narfforc

I'd be someone like Eol, just to keep away from all those boring tree-huggers..

You've got it all wrong. You sing to the trees, or perhaps to Yavanna. You hug an elf of the opposite gender.

No wonder you found it boring!

Galadriel55 · 04-29-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by narfforc

I'd be someone like Eol, just to keep away from all those boring tree-huggers..

What?! You've found the Entwives? You know where they are?

Quote:

Originally Posted by blantyr

I think I'll go with the background I gave Goldie.

RPing your ideal?

Pitchwife · 04-29-2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blantyr

I saw no mention of elves farming or herding, thus thought to work from a hunter gatherer lifestyle.

I suppose lembas grow on trees, yes?

blantyr · 04-29-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

RPing your ideal?

To some degree, yes, exactly. On the other hand, the end of the Third Age isn't time to sit on one's long golden hair and let the Shadow grow unchecked. Poor Goldie missed the last Strawberry harvest gathering.

Galadriel · 05-04-2011, 06:22 AM

Probably a Noldorin exile

It might attract some trouble, but I like a little drama

Not to mention that without the Noldor the history of ME would not have been half as interesting

Gaurcrist · 05-04-2011, 08:06 AM

Probably a Wood Elf from Mirkwood. Mostly because I love the forest - so full of life - and also because I enjoy the sense of peacefulness it contains (although there was also a sense of danger, as Folwren said).

Estelyn Telcontar · 05-04-2011, 01:47 PM

This thread poses an interesting opinion question that can be answered by all members, whether well-versed in the lore of the more obscure books or not. Therefore it fits well on the Newcomers and Novices forum section. I'm moving it there: please continue to enjoy reading and posting at the new location - thanks!

oddkins · 05-04-2011, 02:41 PM

I'd be more than happy! I'd choose to be a High Elf from Rivendell. What better place to live for someone who loves lore and the arts, feasting and song? (Not to mention that gorgeous art-nouveau set-design in the movies

)

Galadriel · 05-06-2011, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaurcrist

Probably a Wood Elf from Mirkwood. Mostly because I love the forest - so full of life

*Cough* Spiders "Cough*

Archaic Elf · 07-19-2011, 08:47 PM

Well I am an Archaic Elf so I guess I would have been a Vanyar or Teleri that crossed over to Valinor and was around to see the light of the Two Trees. I'm not really one for building things like the Noldor, and I don't think I would have rushed to join them in their vengeance against Morgoth. On the downside, I would have missed out on the epic battles of the Noldor in Middle Earth, but then again, I wouldn't have seen the destruction of my home and deaths of my friends in those wars.

I guess I would be fine as a Teleri. Just sail back and forth between Middle Earth and Valinor and you will get the best of both worlds. Not to mention they are good musicians, which I try to be (guitar).

On a side note, I didn't read the discussion about Rivendell lifestyles too closely, but a lot of people find taking care of a garden relaxing. It's safe to say that some elves would feel the same. Farming in or around Rivendell isn't out of the question at all.

04-28-2011, 12:08 PM	#1
Erurin Newly Deceased Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Back in Lothlorien after killing a bunch of Orcs. Posts: 7	If you HAD to be an Elf... If you HAD to be an Elf, what kind would you be? Okay, I know that many people would not count it as "HAD to," but the Elves have it tough in Arda (Middle-earth). Would you be: A High Elf from Rivendell? A Wood Elf from Mirkwood? A Galadhrim from Lorien? A Noldorin Exile? A Moriquendi (Elf who never saw the Light of the Two Trees in Valinor {"mor-"= dark; "quendi" from "quenya"=to speak/ an Elf})? One of the Peredhil (Half-Elves who have to choose the Fate of Men or the Doom of the Eldar)? And where would you live? __________________ "Not fair! Not fair to ask what is in its nasty little pocketessesss!" Last edited by Erurin; 04-28-2011 at 12:09 PM. Reason: Easier reading (easier on the eyes)

04-28-2011, 12:16 PM	#2
Erurin Newly Deceased Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Back in Lothlorien after killing a bunch of Orcs. Posts: 7	I would, myself, be a Noldorin Exile. It would be a pain, but these Elves are the most heroic of the Houses (in my opinion). They were the most skilled in weaponcraft, craftsmanship in general, and in battle their magic seems to be the most potent after the Teleri Elves. However, I would not bind myself to the Oath of Feanor; I would follow King Turgon, who had the favor of Ulmo. I would be one of the Gondolindrim and seek after good and not gain, unlike the cursed House of Feanor. After the Fall of Gondolin, I would follow Tuor son of Huor. If I survive the First Age and do not return to Valinor, I would live in Lothlorien and be one of the Elvish Watchmen. __________________ "Not fair! Not fair to ask what is in its nasty little pocketessesss!"

04-28-2011, 01:39 PM	#3
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	Hi and welcome to the Downs. I wouldn't be any of those. I'd choose the Teleri because I love the sea (but not sailing) and singing and my hair started turning silver when I was seventeen...and silver hair is practically a status symbol with the Teleri. I think Mithlond would be a good place to live and the elves there seem to have more of a purpose - even if it is just to facilitate the departure of those seeking the straight road. Just for future reference - I don't want to put a damper on your first efforts but this sort of thread really belongs in Novices and Newcomers because it is a personal preference thing rather than something that involves discussion of topics that need to be supported by reference to the texts. Don't worry you will soon get a feel for the place. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

04-28-2011, 01:51 PM	#4
Erurin Newly Deceased Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Back in Lothlorien after killing a bunch of Orcs. Posts: 7	Okay, Mithalwen. Sorry for the mix-up. __________________ "Not fair! Not fair to ask what is in its nasty little pocketessesss!"

04-28-2011, 03:17 PM	#6
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,410	As appealing as Teleri life is, I'd prefer to be an sinda of Doriath, and after that - of Lorien. __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

04-29-2011, 07:34 AM	#8
blantyr Wight Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Settling down in Bree for the winter. Posts: 208	Have Lute Will Travel I think I'll go with the background I gave Goldie. She was born in the Tower Hills. I see her living a hunter gather existence during the fair months, settling into small cities near the sea in winter. As she grew older, her travels would get wider. She'd spend some time with the wandering companies in the Wild, and perhaps occasionally winter in Rivendell. The elves seem to be both close to nature and sophisticated artists. They can live off the land, yet surround themselves with well crafted art that is also useful and practical. I see her chasing sheep in the mountains in the spring, to help remove their fleece, in the valley of strawberries in summer, climbing trees to shake down acorns in the fall, then curling up in a corner of Rivendell's Hall of Fire in the winter. In my mind, I'd see it as a sequence of festivals, with the migrant hunter-gatherers moving from place to place to suit the seasons. Especially in youth, she'd be expected to learn how to survive and gather food in various places and seasons. At the same time, there would be some art which she would be learning as well. Goldie's art is song, but a weaver of cloth, shipwright or cook could each in their own way dedicate their lives to creating a beauty shared by the community. I also see more magic in Tolkien than some. A singer traveling the Wild singing songs to Elbereth would be cleansing the land of the Shadow. I saw this as a function of the wandering companies. This might not be canon, but I wanted a character who could both sing and handle herself well in the wild. Given she was born in a time where the Shadow was weak west of the mountains, it seemed plausible. I thought those living a long life would seek variety. I saw no mention of elves farming or herding, thus thought to work from a hunter gatherer lifestyle. Thus, I created a life of traveling from one party to another, doing what is necessary, beautiful and fun.

04-29-2011, 11:35 AM	#9
narfforc Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Muddy-earth Posts: 1,297	I'd be someone like Eol, just to keep away from all those boring tree-huggers.. __________________ [B]THE LORD OF THE GRINS:THE ONE PARODY....A PARODY BETTER THAN THE RINGS OF POWER.

05-04-2011, 06:22 AM	#14
Galadriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: In Eldamar beside the walls of Elven Tirion Posts: 551	Probably a Noldorin exile It might attract some trouble, but I like a little drama Not to mention that without the Noldor the history of ME would not have been half as interesting __________________ "Hey! Come derry dol! Can you hear me singing?" – Tom Bombadil

05-04-2011, 08:06 AM	#15
Gaurcrist Animated Skeleton Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 40	Probably a Wood Elf from Mirkwood. Mostly because I love the forest - so full of life - and also because I enjoy the sense of peacefulness it contains (although there was also a sense of danger, as Folwren said).

05-04-2011, 01:47 PM	#16
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	This thread poses an interesting opinion question that can be answered by all members, whether well-versed in the lore of the more obscure books or not. Therefore it fits well on the Newcomers and Novices forum section. I'm moving it there: please continue to enjoy reading and posting at the new location - thanks! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

05-04-2011, 02:41 PM	#17
oddkins Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 16	If I had to be an Elf... I'd be more than happy! I'd choose to be a High Elf from Rivendell. What better place to live for someone who loves lore and the arts, feasting and song? (Not to mention that gorgeous art-nouveau set-design in the movies )

07-19-2011, 08:47 PM	#19
Archaic Elf Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: USA Posts: 33	Well I am an Archaic Elf so I guess I would have been a Vanyar or Teleri that crossed over to Valinor and was around to see the light of the Two Trees. I'm not really one for building things like the Noldor, and I don't think I would have rushed to join them in their vengeance against Morgoth. On the downside, I would have missed out on the epic battles of the Noldor in Middle Earth, but then again, I wouldn't have seen the destruction of my home and deaths of my friends in those wars. I guess I would be fine as a Teleri. Just sail back and forth between Middle Earth and Valinor and you will get the best of both worlds. Not to mention they are good musicians, which I try to be (guitar). On a side note, I didn't read the discussion about Rivendell lifestyles too closely, but a lot of people find taking care of a garden relaxing. It's safe to say that some elves would feel the same. Farming in or around Rivendell isn't out of the question at all.