Re: CHAT: fantasy (was: Re: history of conlanging)

Matt Pearson wrote:
>
> Christophe Grandsire a ecrit:
>
> Pointed ears for Elves?  Sacrilege!  Tolkien himself says in no uncertain
> terms that the Elves were completely human in form and biology - that
> in fact the only essential differences between Elves and Men are (a) Elves
> are immortal, (b) Elves lack what a theologian might call 'original sin' (i.e.
> Elves are inherently good), and (c) the fate of Elves at the End of the
> World may be different from that of Men.  Also, Elves are on average
> more beautiful than Men, and apparently don't have to sleep.  But that's
> about it.  I think that at one point Tolkien remarks that Elves are like
> "Men before the Fall".
>
        He also said that they were taller in general than most humans. When
you know that most people see Elves as small and delicate versions of
humans with pointed ears, you can see the difference! In fact, as far as
I know, Tolkien himself said that the word "Elves" was only a way (and
maybe not the best way) to translate in English the word "Quendi" that
they used to refer to themselves, and that they had nothing in common
with the "Elves" of the popular view.

> If they stick pointy ears on 'em in the movie, I will be very upset!
>
        Me too. If they stick also to the fact that they are supposed to be
very tall, we'll have Vulcans in LotR the movie!

> Matt.
--
        Christophe Grandsire

        Philips Research Laboratories --  Building WB 145
        Prof. Holstlaan 4
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        Phone:  +31-40-27-45006
        E-mail: grandsir@natlab.research.philips.com