Elven life cycle: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
mNo edit summary
m (cleaning up sentence structure & spelling)
(10 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Sources}}
{{quote|[[Yén]]i ve lintë yuldar avánier [...] lisse [[miruvor|Miruvóreva]]<br>(The long years have passed like swift draughts of the sweet mead)|[[Galadriel]]<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>}}
{{quote|[[Yén]]i ve lintë yuldar avánier [...] lisse [[miruvor|Miruvóreva]]<br>(The long years have passed like swift draughts of the sweet mead)|[[Galadriel]]<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'']]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'']]
Line 8: Line 7:
Elves are born about one year after their begetting.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The day of their begetting is remembered, not the actual birthday itself, because bringing forth children is an act of will, and it required a "greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body" than takes place "in the making of mortal children."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} By their first year, Elf children can speak, walk, and dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they actually are.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|209-10}} Physical puberty is generally complete by their fiftieth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), but they are not considered full-grown until a hundred years have passed.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}  
Elves are born about one year after their begetting.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The day of their begetting is remembered, not the actual birthday itself, because bringing forth children is an act of will, and it required a "greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body" than takes place "in the making of mortal children."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} By their first year, Elf children can speak, walk, and dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they actually are.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|209-10}} Physical puberty is generally complete by their fiftieth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), but they are not considered full-grown until a hundred years have passed.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}  


Elves' bodies developed slower than those of Men, but their minds developed more swiftly than the children of Men.<ref name=Laws>{{MR|Laws}}</ref>{{rp|209-10}} In their twenties, they might still appear physically seven years old, though the Elf-child would have mature language and skill,<ref name=NotesB>{{MR|P3II3e}}</ref>{{rp|228}} whereas Men at the same age are already physically mature.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}
Elves' bodies developed slower than those of Men, but their minds developed more swiftly.<ref name=Laws>{{MR|Laws}}</ref>{{rp|209-10}} In their twenties, they might still appear physically seven years old, though the Elf-child would have mature language and skill,<ref name=NotesB>{{MR|P3II3e}}</ref>{{rp|228}} whereas Men at the same age are already physically mature.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|210}}


==Sexuality, marriage and parenthood==
==Sexuality, marriage, and parenthood==
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|thumb|[[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]] - ''Love at First Sight'']]
[[File:Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight.jpg|thumb|[[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]] - ''Love at First Sight'']]
Elves marry freely and for love early in life. Monogamy is practiced and adultery is unthinkable; they only marry once ([[Finwë]], first [[High King of the Noldor]], was an exception; he remarried after his [[Míriel|first wife]] died).  
Elves marry for love, or at least with free will from both parties, typically early in life. Monogamy is practised and adultery is unthinkable.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|229}} By their very nature, they are "seldom swayed by the desires of the body" or influenced by lust.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} They marry only once for it was ruled by Manwë that, "'since the Elves are by nature permanent in life within Arda, so also is their unmarred marriage.'"<ref name=marriage>{{MR|P3II3d}}</ref>{{rp|225}} [[Finwë]], first [[High King of the Noldor]], was an exception. After his [[Míriel|first wife]] died, from passing the majority of her life into [[Fëanor]],<ref name=LawsA>{{MR|P3II3f}}</ref>{{rp|237}} and refused to be re-emboided, Finwë was permitted to marry again. This was pronounced by [[Mandos|Námo]] as the 'Doom of Finwë and Míriel'.<ref name=marriage/>{{rp|226}}


Spouses can choose each other long before they are married and be betrothed. The betrothal is subject to parental approval unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon, at which point the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year, and is revocable by the return of the rings (but is rarely broken). After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.
Spouses may choose each other, in their youth, long before they are married and be betrothed. The betrothal is subject to parental approval from both houses unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon. At which point, the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange silver rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year. A betrothal is revocable by a public return of the rings, which will then be molten, but revocation was rarely needed because "the Eldar do not err lightly" in the choice of their partner.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.
 
Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings, which they keep, and receive "slender rings of gold" which are worn upon "the index of the right hand."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} In Noldor tradition, the bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn and the bridegroom's father gives a similar gift to the bride. These ceremonies and traditions were only a way for the parents to show their love and to mark a respectful recognition of the two houses which would be joined. While it was considered "ungracious and contemptuous of kin", in days of peace, "to forgo the ceremonies," it was completely lawful for a couple to be married without them.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} The indissoluble union was completed solely by the "act of bodily union" which achieved marriage.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} Technically, without ceremony or witnesses, only blessings exchanged between the bride and groom, including speaking of the name of [[Eru]], and consummation are required for marriage.


Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings and receive others worn on their index fingers. The bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn, but the marriage is only achieved with its consummation. Technically, only the words exchanged by the bride and groom (including the speaking of the name of [[Eru]]) and the consummation are required for marriage.
[[File:Tuuliky - Lumen Melma.jpg|thumb|left|[[:Category:Images by Tuuliky|Tuuliky]] - ''Lumen Melma'']]
[[File:Tuuliky - Lumen Melma.jpg|thumb|left|[[:Category:Images by Tuuliky|Tuuliky]] - ''Lumen Melma'']]
The Elves view the sexual act as extremely special and intimate, for it leads to the conception and birth of children. Extra-marital and premarital sex are said to be unthinkable—indeed, the Elves would regard them as contradictions in terms. Because adultery is also unheard of and fidelity between spouses is absolute, spouses can sometimes live separately for extended periods of time. However, a sundering during pregnancy or during the early years of parenthood (caused by war, for example) is so grievous to the couple that they prefer to have children in peaceful times.  
The Elves view the sexual act as extremely special for "the union of love is indeed to them great delight and joy."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} Extra-marital sex would be against their nature because they can "read at once in the eyes and voice of another whether they be wed or unwed"; they would release their own spirit to Mandos before succumbing to rape, and premarital sex would create marriage which makes the term itself a misnomer.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 5}} "There is no record of any among the Elves that [actually] took another's spouse by force" though [[Maeglin]] made the wrongful attempt to steal [[Idril]].<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 5}}<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|169}}
 
Spouses can sometimes live separately for extended periods of time. Though united in body and spirit, they remain individuals with different gifts of mind and body to pursue.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} However, a sundering during pregnancy or during the early years of parenthood, such as by war, would be so grievous to the couple, and hurtful to the child, that they prefer to have children in peaceful times.<ref name=Rebirth>{{MR|P3II3c}}</ref>{{rp|221}}
 
Elves typically have four children or fewer. [[Fëanor]] and [[Nerdanel]], who had seven sons, were a notable exception.<ref name=NotesB/>{{rp|Note 4}} Whenever the Eldar married, whether in youth or in later life, their children were produced within a relatively short time after their wedding. However, in mortal count, a century or two may pass before the begetting of the first child and even longer between child and child.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|212}} After their time of children, the desire to procreate soon ceases. They turn their powers of body and mind to other tasks and arts. Nonetheless, they cherish the days of bearing and raising children as the happiest times of their lives.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}}


Elves have few children, as a rule; ([[Fëanor]] and [[Nerdanel]] were an exception, since they had seven sons), and there are relatively sizable intervals between each child. They are soon preoccupied with other pleasures; their libido wanes and they focus their interests elsewhere, such as the arts. Nonetheless, they take great delight in the union of love, and they cherish the days of bearing and raising children as the happiest times of their lives.
There are examples that appear to contradict this ideal. An example of extreme marital strife among the Eldar is the case of [[Eöl]] and [[Aredhel]], where Eöl tried to restrain his wife from living the life of her choice. As a result, Aredhel left Eöl without his knowing, and took their son, Maeglin, with her back to [[Gondolin]]. The end result was that Eöl sought revenge upon his own family, and while seeking to slay his rebellious son, slew his wife accidentally.<ref name="SilmMaeglin">{{S|Maeglin}}</ref> Another example of great discontent developed between Fëanor and Nerdanel after the theft of the [[Silmarils]]. Nerdanel did not wish to be parted from all her children nor did she wish to follow her husband against the [[Valar]]'s wishes. Fëanor's harsh response was that, if she would not follow him, she was an untrue wife for deserting both her husband and her children.<ref name=Feanor>{{PM|Feanor}}</ref>{{rp|354}}


There are examples that appear to contradict this ideal.  An example of extreme marital strife among the Eldar is the case of [[Eöl]] and [[Aredhel]], in which the former took the latter prisoner and wed her without consent, and then Aredhel left Eöl without his knowing, with the result of Eöl ultimately killing her. This was far from a normal Elven marriage, however.  [[Celegorm]]'s pursuit of [[Lúthien]] and [[Maeglin]]'s attraction to [[Idril]] also appear to be cases of elves who were attracted to elf women who did not appreciate their affections. In Celegorm's case, this developed into direct violent action that is hard to interpret except as an attempted rape.
[[Celegorm]]'s pursuit of [[Lúthien]] and [[Maeglin]]'s attraction to [[Idril]] are cases of elves who sought disinterested partners. The desire for these unwilling wives was mixed with a desire for power. While unrequited love was known to happen, few of the Eldar responded so negatively to it.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|211}} [[Indis]] loved [[Finwë]] with secret admiration but remained contently unwed because he was married.<ref name=LawsA/>{{rp|238}} [[Turgon]], Idril's father, denied Maeglin's suit for Idril's hand because he believed that Maeglin sought power more than the love of his daughter.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|165}} In Celegorm's case, he was motivated to claim Lúthien as his bride to force her father, [[Thingol]], to ally with the [[Fëanorians]] during the [[Siege of Angband]]. However, [[Huan]] and [[Beren]] defended Lúthien, against the attempted bride-stealing by Celegorm and the later attack by [[Curufin]].<ref name=Beren>{{S|Beren}}</ref>


==Daily life==
==Daily life==
The Elves, and particularly the [[Noldor]], preoccupy themselves with various things, such as smithwork, sculpture, music, and other arts. Males and females can do almost everything equally; however, the females often specialize in the arts of healing while the men go to war. This is because the Elves believe that taking life interferes with the ability to preserve life. However, Elves do not have rigid gender roles; females can defend themselves at need as well as males, and many males are skilled healers as well, such as [[Elrond]].
Elves preoccupy themselves with various arts, such as: smithwork, sculpture, weaving, music, lore, and healing. Males and females have equal skill in all things, not concerned with the bringing forth of children; however, the females often specialize in the arts of healing while the men go to war.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}} This is because the Elves believe that taking life interferes with the ability to preserve life. Women who hunted would not specialize in healing, and men who healed would refrain from hunting and only fight when absolutely necessary, for "the virtue . . . in this matter [of healing] was due . . . to their abstaining from hunting or war."<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213-4}} Elves do not have rigid gender roles though natural inclinations were recognized, which varied based on the time and place and among the different peoples of Elves.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|213}}


==Later life==
==Later life==
[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|thumb|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Cirdan'']]
[[File:Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg|thumb|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Cirdan'']]
Eventually, if they did not die in battle or from some other cause, the [[High Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] grew weary of it and desired to go to [[Valinor]], where the [[Valar]] originally sheltered their kind. Those who wished to leave for the Undying Lands went by boats provided at the [[Grey Havens]], where [[Círdan]] the Shipwright dwelt with his folk.
Eventually, if they did not die in battle or from some other cause, Elves, such as Noldor and [[Teleri]], of [[Middle-earth]] grew weary and desired to go to [[Valinor]], where the [[Valar]] sheltered their kind. This was known as the sea-longing.<ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref> Those who wished to leave for the Undying Lands went by ships provided at the [[Grey Havens]], where [[Círdan]] the Shipwright dwelt with his folk. Those, of any Elven people, who did not perish through bodily death or depart from Middle-earth across the sea would eventually fade. Fading occurred when their ''[[fëar]]'' consumed their bodies and the body became merely a memory of the ''fëa''. In this state, "they were open to the direct instruction and command of the Valar" and as soon as they were disembodied in this way they would be summoned to the 'Halls of Waiting' in Aman.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|219}}


=="Cycles of life" and aging==
=="Cycles of life" and ageing==
Elves had no beards, at least until their "third cycle of life", like [[Círdan]]. [[Mahtan]] was an exception, and had a beard in his early "second cycle".<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref> The Elvish beardlessness could also be observed in Mannish lines with an Elvish strain (as in the princely house of [[Dol Amroth]]), which lacked beards.<ref>{{UT|6}}, "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 320 (HarperCollins paperback; 1998)</ref>
Elves had no beards, at least until their "third cycle of life", like [[Círdan]]. [[Mahtan]] was an exception, and had a beard in his early "second cycle".<ref>{{VT|41b}}</ref>{{rp|9}} The Elvish beardlessness could also be observed in Mannish lines with an Elvish strain (as in the princely house of [[Dol Amroth]]), which lacked beards.<ref>{{UT|6}}, "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 320 (HarperCollins paperback; 1998)</ref>


It is unclear what these cycles exactly are. A logical sense would be that the first cycle is childhood and adolescence, the second is adulthood, and the third is for extremely old Elves; Círdan was the most ancient known Elf on Middle-earth.
While the three cycles are not specifically defined, the first cycle is likely childhood and adolescence, which ended at the 100th year, the second is adulthood which could continue for Ages, and the third is for extremely old Elves; Círdan was the most ancient known Elf in Middle-earth. However, Elves, who were not ancient, could enter the third stage sooner due to tragic life events. When Lúthien wilfully released her spirit to follow Beren, her father saw her die, and "a winter, as it were the hoar age of mortal Men, fell upon Thingol."<ref name=Beren/>


Apparently, beards were the only sign of further natural physical aging beyond maturity.  
Apparently, beards, though rare, were the only sign of further natural physical ageing beyond maturity.  


Elves did not physically age over their 100th year but they did age in a different sense than Men: they became ever more weary of the world and burdened by its sorrows, sometimes appeared to age under great stress. Círdan seemed to be aged himself, since he is described as looking old, save for the stars in his eyes; this may be due to all the sorrows he had seen and lived through since the [[First Age]]. Also, the people of [[Nargothrond]] had trouble recognizing [[Gwindor]] after his time as a prisoner of [[Morgoth]].
Elves did not physically age after they reached maturity, but they did age in a different sense than Men. They became ever more weary of the world and burdened by its sorrows.<ref>{{S|9}}</ref><ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> Círdan seemed to be aged himself since he is described as looking old, save for the stars in his eyes; this may be due to all the sorrows he had seen and lived through since the [[First Age]].<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> He had been one of the Teleri on the [[Great Journey]] who tarried on the shores of Middle-earth for Thingol's sake, and at the [[Valar]]'s behest, though he had greatly wished to go to Aman.<ref name=Last/>{{rp|385-6}} Another aged elf was [[Gwindor]], the people of [[Nargothrond]] had trouble recognizing him after he escaped from being a prisoner of [[Morgoth]] in the pits of [[Angband]] for fourteen years.<ref name=Gwindor>{{S|21}}</ref>


Another bearded elf was possibly [[Tinfang Gelion]].
Another bearded elf was possibly [[Tinfang Gelion]].{{fact}}


==Death==
==Death==
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea'']]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea'']]
Elves are naturally [[immortal]]. In addition to their immortality, Elves are immune to all diseases, and they can recover from wounds which would normally kill a mortal Man. However, Elves can be slain, or die of grief and weariness.
Elves are naturally [[immortal]]. In addition to their immortality, Elves are immune to all diseases, and they can recover from wounds which would normally kill a mortal Man.<ref name=Laws/>{{rp|218-9}} However, Elves can be physically slain or die of grief and weariness.
 
Elves who die or are killed go to the [[Halls of Mandos]] in Valinor if they heed the summons. After a certain period of time and rest, their spirits (''[[fëar]]'') are incarnated in bodies (''[[Fëa and hröa|hröar]]'') identical to their old ones. They almost never go back to Middle-earth with the exception of [[Lúthien]] who returned as a mortal.<ref name=Beren/> [[Glorfindel]] of [[Rivendell]] may have been intended to have been Glorfindel of [[Gondolin]], who returned to Middle-earth in {{TA|1000}} with [[Olórin]], but this notion existed only in drafts and notes.<ref name=Last>{{PM|Last}}</ref>{{rp|377-82}}


Elves who die or are killed go to the [[Halls of Mandos]] in Valinor. After a certain period of time and rest, their spirits (''[[fëar]]'') are incarnated in bodies (''[[Fëa and hröa|hröar]]'') identical to their old ones. They almost never go back to Middle-earth, however. The only Elf known to have done so was [[Glorfindel]], excepting [[Lúthien]] who returned as a mortal.
{{references}}
{{references}}
[[Category: Elves]]
[[Category: Elves]]

Revision as of 23:51, 2 May 2016

"Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier [...] lisse Miruvóreva
(The long years have passed like swift draughts of the sweet mead)
"
Galadriel[1]
Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves

Owing to their longevity, the Elves had a very different Life cycle than Men. Most of the following information strictly refers only to the Eldar—but much could probably be applied to the Avari as well.

Early life

Jenny Dolfen - Family picture

Elves are born about one year after their begetting.[2]:212 The day of their begetting is remembered, not the actual birthday itself, because bringing forth children is an act of will, and it required a "greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body" than takes place "in the making of mortal children."[2]:212 By their first year, Elf children can speak, walk, and dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they actually are.[2]:209-10 Physical puberty is generally complete by their fiftieth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), but they are not considered full-grown until a hundred years have passed.[2]:210

Elves' bodies developed slower than those of Men, but their minds developed more swiftly.[2]:209-10 In their twenties, they might still appear physically seven years old, though the Elf-child would have mature language and skill,[3]:228 whereas Men at the same age are already physically mature.[2]:210

Sexuality, marriage, and parenthood

Līga Kļaviņa - Love at First Sight

Elves marry for love, or at least with free will from both parties, typically early in life. Monogamy is practised and adultery is unthinkable.[3]:229 By their very nature, they are "seldom swayed by the desires of the body" or influenced by lust.[2]:211 They marry only once for it was ruled by Manwë that, "'since the Elves are by nature permanent in life within Arda, so also is their unmarred marriage.'"[4]:225 Finwë, first High King of the Noldor, was an exception. After his first wife died, from passing the majority of her life into Fëanor,[5]:237 and refused to be re-emboided, Finwë was permitted to marry again. This was pronounced by Námo as the 'Doom of Finwë and Míriel'.[4]:226

Spouses may choose each other, in their youth, long before they are married and be betrothed. The betrothal is subject to parental approval from both houses unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon. At which point, the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange silver rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year. A betrothal is revocable by a public return of the rings, which will then be molten, but revocation was rarely needed because "the Eldar do not err lightly" in the choice of their partner.[2]:211 After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.

Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings, which they keep, and receive "slender rings of gold" which are worn upon "the index of the right hand."[2]:211 In Noldor tradition, the bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn and the bridegroom's father gives a similar gift to the bride. These ceremonies and traditions were only a way for the parents to show their love and to mark a respectful recognition of the two houses which would be joined. While it was considered "ungracious and contemptuous of kin", in days of peace, "to forgo the ceremonies," it was completely lawful for a couple to be married without them.[2]:212 The indissoluble union was completed solely by the "act of bodily union" which achieved marriage.[2]:212 Technically, without ceremony or witnesses, only blessings exchanged between the bride and groom, including speaking of the name of Eru, and consummation are required for marriage.

Tuuliky - Lumen Melma

The Elves view the sexual act as extremely special for "the union of love is indeed to them great delight and joy."[2]:213 Extra-marital sex would be against their nature because they can "read at once in the eyes and voice of another whether they be wed or unwed"; they would release their own spirit to Mandos before succumbing to rape, and premarital sex would create marriage which makes the term itself a misnomer.[3]:Note 5 "There is no record of any among the Elves that [actually] took another's spouse by force" though Maeglin made the wrongful attempt to steal Idril.[3]:Note 5[6]:169

Spouses can sometimes live separately for extended periods of time. Though united in body and spirit, they remain individuals with different gifts of mind and body to pursue.[2]:213 However, a sundering during pregnancy or during the early years of parenthood, such as by war, would be so grievous to the couple, and hurtful to the child, that they prefer to have children in peaceful times.[7]:221

Elves typically have four children or fewer. Fëanor and Nerdanel, who had seven sons, were a notable exception.[3]:Note 4 Whenever the Eldar married, whether in youth or in later life, their children were produced within a relatively short time after their wedding. However, in mortal count, a century or two may pass before the begetting of the first child and even longer between child and child.[2]:212 After their time of children, the desire to procreate soon ceases. They turn their powers of body and mind to other tasks and arts. Nonetheless, they cherish the days of bearing and raising children as the happiest times of their lives.[2]:213

There are examples that appear to contradict this ideal. An example of extreme marital strife among the Eldar is the case of Eöl and Aredhel, where Eöl tried to restrain his wife from living the life of her choice. As a result, Aredhel left Eöl without his knowing, and took their son, Maeglin, with her back to Gondolin. The end result was that Eöl sought revenge upon his own family, and while seeking to slay his rebellious son, slew his wife accidentally.[8] Another example of great discontent developed between Fëanor and Nerdanel after the theft of the Silmarils. Nerdanel did not wish to be parted from all her children nor did she wish to follow her husband against the Valar's wishes. Fëanor's harsh response was that, if she would not follow him, she was an untrue wife for deserting both her husband and her children.[9]:354

Celegorm's pursuit of Lúthien and Maeglin's attraction to Idril are cases of elves who sought disinterested partners. The desire for these unwilling wives was mixed with a desire for power. While unrequited love was known to happen, few of the Eldar responded so negatively to it.[2]:211 Indis loved Finwë with secret admiration but remained contently unwed because he was married.[5]:238 Turgon, Idril's father, denied Maeglin's suit for Idril's hand because he believed that Maeglin sought power more than the love of his daughter.[6]:165 In Celegorm's case, he was motivated to claim Lúthien as his bride to force her father, Thingol, to ally with the Fëanorians during the Siege of Angband. However, Huan and Beren defended Lúthien, against the attempted bride-stealing by Celegorm and the later attack by Curufin.[10]

Daily life

Elves preoccupy themselves with various arts, such as: smithwork, sculpture, weaving, music, lore, and healing. Males and females have equal skill in all things, not concerned with the bringing forth of children; however, the females often specialize in the arts of healing while the men go to war.[2]:213 This is because the Elves believe that taking life interferes with the ability to preserve life. Women who hunted would not specialize in healing, and men who healed would refrain from hunting and only fight when absolutely necessary, for "the virtue . . . in this matter [of healing] was due . . . to their abstaining from hunting or war."[2]:213-4 Elves do not have rigid gender roles though natural inclinations were recognized, which varied based on the time and place and among the different peoples of Elves.[2]:213

Later life

Jef Murray - Cirdan

Eventually, if they did not die in battle or from some other cause, Elves, such as Noldor and Teleri, of Middle-earth grew weary and desired to go to Valinor, where the Valar sheltered their kind. This was known as the sea-longing.[11] Those who wished to leave for the Undying Lands went by ships provided at the Grey Havens, where Círdan the Shipwright dwelt with his folk. Those, of any Elven people, who did not perish through bodily death or depart from Middle-earth across the sea would eventually fade. Fading occurred when their fëar consumed their bodies and the body became merely a memory of the fëa. In this state, "they were open to the direct instruction and command of the Valar" and as soon as they were disembodied in this way they would be summoned to the 'Halls of Waiting' in Aman.[2]:219

"Cycles of life" and ageing

Elves had no beards, at least until their "third cycle of life", like Círdan. Mahtan was an exception, and had a beard in his early "second cycle".[12]:9 The Elvish beardlessness could also be observed in Mannish lines with an Elvish strain (as in the princely house of Dol Amroth), which lacked beards.[13]

While the three cycles are not specifically defined, the first cycle is likely childhood and adolescence, which ended at the 100th year, the second is adulthood which could continue for Ages, and the third is for extremely old Elves; Círdan was the most ancient known Elf in Middle-earth. However, Elves, who were not ancient, could enter the third stage sooner due to tragic life events. When Lúthien wilfully released her spirit to follow Beren, her father saw her die, and "a winter, as it were the hoar age of mortal Men, fell upon Thingol."[10]

Apparently, beards, though rare, were the only sign of further natural physical ageing beyond maturity.

Elves did not physically age after they reached maturity, but they did age in a different sense than Men. They became ever more weary of the world and burdened by its sorrows.[14][15] Círdan seemed to be aged himself since he is described as looking old, save for the stars in his eyes; this may be due to all the sorrows he had seen and lived through since the First Age.[16] He had been one of the Teleri on the Great Journey who tarried on the shores of Middle-earth for Thingol's sake, and at the Valar's behest, though he had greatly wished to go to Aman.[17]:385-6 Another aged elf was Gwindor, the people of Nargothrond had trouble recognizing him after he escaped from being a prisoner of Morgoth in the pits of Angband for fourteen years.[18]

Another bearded elf was possibly Tinfang Gelion.[source?]

Death

Elves are naturally immortal. In addition to their immortality, Elves are immune to all diseases, and they can recover from wounds which would normally kill a mortal Man.[2]:218-9 However, Elves can be physically slain or die of grief and weariness.

Elves who die or are killed go to the Halls of Mandos in Valinor if they heed the summons. After a certain period of time and rest, their spirits (fëar) are incarnated in bodies (hröar) identical to their old ones. They almost never go back to Middle-earth with the exception of Lúthien who returned as a mortal.[10] Glorfindel of Rivendell may have been intended to have been Glorfindel of Gondolin, who returned to Middle-earth in T.A. 1000 with Olórin, but this notion existed only in drafts and notes.[17]:377-82

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Farewell to Lórien"
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar, Notes [to Text B]"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar, Of the Severance of Marriage"
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar, [Text A]"
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "III. The Fall of Gondolin"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Laws and Customs among the Eldar, Of Re-birth and Other Dooms of Those that go to Mandos"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Maeglin"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of the Sons of Fëanor"
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Last Debate"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, "From The Shibboleth of Fëanor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 41, July 2000
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Amroth and Nimrodel", p. 320 (HarperCollins paperback; 1998)
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Grey Havens"
  17. 17.0 17.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Túrin Turambar"