Let sleeping Elves lie? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

01-04-2002, 09:33 AM

It is said that the Quendi require little or no rest. Why, then, was each member of the Fellowship required to keep watch at night during their journey through Moria?

(or did Legolas always assist in the watch?)

***Mithadan*** · 01-04-2002, 04:17 PM

During Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas' chase after the Orcs who seized Merry and Pippin, Legolas comments that "the green smell" is "better than much sleep". Later it is said that "Legolas was first afoot, if indeed he had ever slept..." These quotes have led some to believe that Elves do not sleep or need little sleep. In the Hobbit, Galion falls asleep after drinking too much wine. It seems Elves do sleep, though they may not require as much as men. Keep in mind that the bodies of Elves and Men are fundamentally the same; it is the strength of the link between body and spirit that makes men mortal and Elves nearly immortal (HoME 10). Thus Elven bodies must tire and occaisionally require sleep.

Jellinek · 01-05-2002, 07:21 AM

I guess there is not much nice 'green smell' in Moria. My guess is that Legolas couldn't relax, and thus rest while awake, in Moria, because of the lack of good living things and the constant threaths.

Jellinek

Dáin Ironfoot · 01-06-2002, 03:52 PM

I have read that they do not have to sleep, only to dream or fill thier eyes with beutiful things. Just a guess. They dont seem to tire very fast.

01-04-2002, 09:33 AM	#1
Conflagration Guest Posts: n/a	Let sleeping Elves lie? It is said that the Quendi require little or no rest. Why, then, was each member of the Fellowship required to keep watch at night during their journey through Moria? (or did Legolas always assist in the watch?)

01-04-2002, 04:17 PM	#2
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,381	During Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas' chase after the Orcs who seized Merry and Pippin, Legolas comments that "the green smell" is "better than much sleep". Later it is said that "Legolas was first afoot, if indeed he had ever slept..." These quotes have led some to believe that Elves do not sleep or need little sleep. In the Hobbit, Galion falls asleep after drinking too much wine. It seems Elves do sleep, though they may not require as much as men. Keep in mind that the bodies of Elves and Men are fundamentally the same; it is the strength of the link between body and spirit that makes men mortal and Elves nearly immortal (HoME 10). Thus Elven bodies must tire and occaisionally require sleep. __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.

01-06-2002, 03:52 PM	#4
Dáin Ironfoot Animated Skeleton Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 33	I have read that they do not have to sleep, only to dream or fill thier eyes with beutiful things. Just a guess. They dont seem to tire very fast. __________________ "Understanding your people paves the road to understanding leadership"- Old Atreides maxim

01-05-2002, 07:21 AM	#3
Jellinek Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 23	I guess there is not much nice 'green smell' in Moria. My guess is that Legolas couldn't relax, and thus rest while awake, in Moria, because of the lack of good living things and the constant threaths. Jellinek