Re: sexual dimorphism( was: So-called Alternative Lifestyles)

>In this case, the chief difference as compared to humans is that elven females
>are on average only marginally smaller and weaker than males, and have what
>human males might characterize as a disappointing lack of curves. Elves of both
>sexes are decidedly thinly built by human standards. Their average height is
>about the same as that for men in neighbouring human communities.
>
>
This seems to be a common feature of elves in books: every author either
describes them all as feminine or androgynous (and tall and thin and
fair-haired also generally). What are the roots of this preconception?
Are they based in the mythology of some culture, or are they from
Tolkien, or some other author...? I find it interesting comparing
dwarves and elves also, since dwarves are typically the opposite (or at
least the logical counterpart to the elves): every member of their race,
male and female, displays exaggerated male characteristics (as well as
being short). Its no wonder really that in practically every book with
elves and dwarves the two don't get on well at all, given that the
feminine characteristics (including their music, art etc which are
typically thought of as more feminine pursuits) of the elves and the
masculine characteristics (their warlike nature, often the fact that
their womenfolk have beards, etc) of the dwarves are so exaggerated that
the gulf between them is massive.

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