More females than males? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rina · 03-19-2003, 06:15 PM

I am in the middle of reading The Silmarillion, and have been noticing that there are a lot of elven deaths in the battles. Assuming that all the elven warriors were males, wouldn't this cause there to be a lot more female elves than males, because they are immortal, and can basically only be killed in battle?

I'm not sure that Tolkien addresses this, but if anyone has any information, please let me know.

Ruler of the Frogs · 03-19-2003, 06:42 PM

I would imagine that it would even itself out, because the souls of Elves always return to Middle Earth in a body that was simlilar (if not exactly the same) as they previously had. So I would guess that the souls of the slain Elves would return as males and it would even out. Someone, correct me if I'm wrong [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Cibbwin · 03-19-2003, 08:34 PM

I'm not sure if the above is correct, but don't forget, Elves CAN die of grief, I'm sure quite a few would have been totally devastated if their love died. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

Meoshi · 03-19-2003, 08:53 PM

Still, that would leave the Elven population that remained in ME a bit lopsided toward females.

Which would explain the mass sailings into the West of the Elves- they missed their dead kindred.

Lutfiska · 03-25-2003, 11:26 AM

off course alot of fe-elves went out in the west because of the grief

lord of dor-lomin · 03-25-2003, 11:34 AM

I've never even thought about that.

It looks like I'd enjoy staying with the elves even more than I thought I would.

Afrodal Fenyar · 03-25-2003, 11:34 AM

Well, the elves who died in a battle did return to Arda in a new body, but not to Middle-Earth. To Valinor. But elves can die out of grief, yep.

lore_master · 03-28-2003, 03:03 PM

i always thougt that only great heroes of battles returned to their bobys in middle earth (ex. Glorfindel)

Faenaduial · 03-28-2003, 03:36 PM

You are assuming there are roughly an even number of male and female elves to start with. However, if you look at any of the published family trees, it seems that there are many more male elves born than female elves.

03-19-2003, 06:15 PM	#1
Rina Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Taniquetil Posts: 18	More females than males? I am in the middle of reading The Silmarillion, and have been noticing that there are a lot of elven deaths in the battles. Assuming that all the elven warriors were males, wouldn't this cause there to be a lot more female elves than males, because they are immortal, and can basically only be killed in battle? I'm not sure that Tolkien addresses this, but if anyone has any information, please let me know. __________________ Rina "God is the Lord, of angels, and of men - and of elves."

03-19-2003, 06:42 PM	#2
Ruler of the Frogs Animated Skeleton Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minas Tirith Posts: 49	I would imagine that it would even itself out, because the souls of Elves always return to Middle Earth in a body that was simlilar (if not exactly the same) as they previously had. So I would guess that the souls of the slain Elves would return as males and it would even out. Someone, correct me if I'm wrong [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ What a joy to meet! We only wish to catch a fish, so juicy-sweet!

03-19-2003, 08:34 PM	#3
Cibbwin Wight Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: California Posts: 145	I'm not sure if the above is correct, but don't forget, Elves CAN die of grief, I'm sure quite a few would have been totally devastated if their love died. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] __________________ The Warrior Hobbit Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer; Rimmo nîn Bruinen, dan in Ulaer!

03-25-2003, 11:26 AM	#5
Lutfiska Haunting Spirit Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: sweden Posts: 60	off course alot of fe-elves went out in the west because of the grief __________________ Go Bushie Vote yes to war

03-25-2003, 11:34 AM	#6
lord of dor-lomin Wight Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: dor-lomin, of course Posts: 167	I've never even thought about that. It looks like I'd enjoy staying with the elves even more than I thought I would. __________________ I used to be indecisive. Now, I'm not so sure.

03-19-2003, 08:53 PM	#4
Meoshi Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Atop the peak of Kalormë Posts: 163	Still, that would leave the Elven population that remained in ME a bit lopsided toward females. Which would explain the mass sailings into the West of the Elves- they missed their dead kindred.

03-25-2003, 11:34 AM	#7
Afrodal Fenyar Haunting Spirit Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 94	Well, the elves who died in a battle did return to Arda in a new body, but not to Middle-Earth. To Valinor. But elves can die out of grief, yep. __________________ "Out of doubt, out of dark to the day's rising I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. To hope's end I rode and to heart's breaking: Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!" ~Eomer

03-28-2003, 03:03 PM	#8
lore_master Wight Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Valhalla Posts: 116	i always thougt that only great heroes of battles returned to their bobys in middle earth (ex. Glorfindel) __________________ As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm. Jump. It is not as wide as you think

03-28-2003, 03:36 PM	#9
Faenaduial Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mirkwood - 710 miles WtR Posts: 246	You are assuming there are roughly an even number of male and female elves to start with. However, if you look at any of the published family trees, it seems that there are many more male elves born than female elves. __________________ Risk everything, or gain nothing. -- Geoffrey De Charny, 1358 Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.