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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Raven Crowking" data-source="post: 1718456" data-attributes="member: 18280">Just a couple of observations about Tolkein's elves.1)  They are responsible for teaching Sauron how to forge Rings of Power in the first place.  And, when Saruman started thinking about the Rings of Power, who do you think he went to for advice?2)  It is pointed out that even Sauron did not begin evil.  Sauron's great desire was to order the world as he saw fit (as opposed to the plans of the Valar and Anwe).  The elves had the same desire, although to a lesser extent.  It is the reason that Feanor created the Silmarils.  It is also the reason that the Three Elven Rings were forged.  They were intended to preserve the world as it was, rather than allow the world to exist as time changed it.  In Lothlorien, time flows differently than in the world outside, as Aragorn tells Sam (who is surprised by the moon's phase upon leaving).  Likewise, Rivendell is protected from change by the power of Elrond's Ring.3)  Most often, the elves have fled West rather than face evil -- so much so that Elrond fears that the Westward road from Rivendell will be guarded most of all.The elves are beautiful, powerful, long-lived, and wise.  Still, they are not wise enough to aid the human lands directly in their battle with the Enemy (despite what Peter Jackson changed), nor are they wise enough to endure the passage of time without trying to stem/control it.  Glorfindel has power, perhaps, to withstand the Nine, but he does not lead a contingent to the aid of Gondor.  There is war throughout Middle Earth, but surely nothing threatens Rivendell that Elrond cannot keep back with his Ring (much as Galadrial protects Lothlorien), yet Glorfindel in the end chooses to "wait and see."  "Wait and see" is the death knell of the elves.  They are unable to commit to this world.  In the end, they are forced to leave it or diminish, wheras the younger, more committed races grow stronger.The elves are wonderful.  They seem very nice.  Even so, they are for the most part more glamour than substance.  RC</blockquote>

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