Reason why Elves do not have modern technology - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gwaihir the Windlord · 12-04-2002, 04:03 AM

It's true; Man developed it, but I don't think the Elves -- wherever they are now, in Eressea or Valinor -- have ever had electricity, guns or computers.

You see, it wouldn't fit in with the Valinorean image, would it? Light and nobility, and peace and beauty in civilisation the Elves have already, and I don't think we will ever achieve that. To what end would they put technology that they can't already achieve?

And there are other reasons, perhaps. One may be that Men live faster lives, full of change and development, whereas the eternal Elves do not pay much heed to the passing of time and know that they will always have time. So technology -- which in the end is there only to save time really -- is not so much needed by them; it was instead invented by fast-developing Men, whom time has more effect on.

Another one -- Elves are largely at peace with themselves (once they reach Valinor anyway), whereas we spend a good deal of time searching for 'meaning' or 'truth' or 'development', or trying to improve our imperfect society. So we went further than they, driven by these things, and created modern technology in the course.

Just an idea.

Ringannunwen · 12-04-2002, 04:20 AM

very good point! points, sorry. I agree about that it effects men in the long-run and they do have short - shorter - lives, than elves. elves have no use for modern tech. they're perfect without it.
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Galorme · 12-04-2002, 03:56 PM

Oh I think they have technology. After all what else is a Simiril but a very advanced lamp, build with great knowledge and skill? Elves have technology whenever they want or need it. But they, being an extension of JRRT, do not like the look of machinery. They want the mechanics, like Lore, to be an invisible, underlying force. They do not need to save time, but they create things for the love of it, so they must have some pretty complex machinery, even if they never use it.

So yeah I believe they do use technology, but we would not recognise it as such as it would be at a very sophisticated level.

12-04-2002, 04:03 AM	#1
Gwaihir the Windlord Essence of Darkness Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Evermore Posts: 1,420	Reason why Elves do not have modern technology It's true; Man developed it, but I don't think the Elves -- wherever they are now, in Eressea or Valinor -- have ever had electricity, guns or computers. You see, it wouldn't fit in with the Valinorean image, would it? Light and nobility, and peace and beauty in civilisation the Elves have already, and I don't think we will ever achieve that. To what end would they put technology that they can't already achieve? And there are other reasons, perhaps. One may be that Men live faster lives, full of change and development, whereas the eternal Elves do not pay much heed to the passing of time and know that they will always have time. So technology -- which in the end is there only to save time really -- is not so much needed by them; it was instead invented by fast-developing Men, whom time has more effect on. Another one -- Elves are largely at peace with themselves (once they reach Valinor anyway), whereas we spend a good deal of time searching for 'meaning' or 'truth' or 'development', or trying to improve our imperfect society. So we went further than they, driven by these things, and created modern technology in the course. Just an idea.

12-04-2002, 04:20 AM	#2
Ringannunwen Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: round here Posts: 39	very good point! points, sorry. I agree about that it effects men in the long-run and they do have short - shorter - lives, than elves. elves have no use for modern tech. they're perfect without it. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] __________________ I am going now . . . if i return before i get back, please ask me to wait.

12-04-2002, 03:56 PM	#3
Galorme Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 337	Oh I think they have technology. After all what else is a Simiril but a very advanced lamp, build with great knowledge and skill? Elves have technology whenever they want or need it. But they, being an extension of JRRT, do not like the look of machinery. They want the mechanics, like Lore, to be an invisible, underlying force. They do not need to save time, but they create things for the love of it, so they must have some pretty complex machinery, even if they never use it. So yeah I believe they do use technology, but we would not recognise it as such as it would be at a very sophisticated level. __________________ Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë! The day has come! Behold people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men, the day has come!