A Day in the Life of an Elf - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Diamond18 · 10-08-2002, 05:23 PM

My mother posed this question, and it made me rather grumpy because I couldn't answer it. Now I will covertly ask you, "What did Elves do all day?"

Tolkien doesn't talk very much about Elves working at daily tasks, or really having any occupations. I don't think they farmed, or at least I have a hard time picturing them with a hoe digging in the dirt. Sure, they made weapons and such, and you have the Fëanor's of the world crafting jewels, etc. etc. But what about your average Elf?

When Elves are not building a place like Gondolin or Lothlórien, what do they do there? Since toward the end of the Third Age, at least, they are so secluded, how do they get items that they themselves don't make or mine? What do Elves use as currency when they do trade?

Since Tolkien's books mainly chronicle wars, there isn't much time to focus in on such hum-drum stuff, I know. But Hobbits, Dwarves and Men all seem to have occupations. Hobbits and Men farm, and Dwarves mine, right?

Anyone who wants to post, don't feel like you have to come up with an answer for every question I brought up. Any little bit of info is appreciated.

10-08-2002, 05:23 PM	#1
Diamond18 Eidolon of a Took Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: my own private fantasy world Posts: 3,460	A Day in the Life of an Elf My mother posed this question, and it made me rather grumpy because I couldn't answer it. Now I will covertly ask you, "What did Elves do all day?" Tolkien doesn't talk very much about Elves working at daily tasks, or really having any occupations. I don't think they farmed, or at least I have a hard time picturing them with a hoe digging in the dirt. Sure, they made weapons and such, and you have the Fëanor's of the world crafting jewels, etc. etc. But what about your average Elf? When Elves are not building a place like Gondolin or Lothlórien, what do they do there? Since toward the end of the Third Age, at least, they are so secluded, how do they get items that they themselves don't make or mine? What do Elves use as currency when they do trade? Since Tolkien's books mainly chronicle wars, there isn't much time to focus in on such hum-drum stuff, I know. But Hobbits, Dwarves and Men all seem to have occupations. Hobbits and Men farm, and Dwarves mine, right? Anyone who wants to post, don't feel like you have to come up with an answer for every question I brought up. Any little bit of info is appreciated. __________________ All shall be rather fond of me and suffer from mild depression.