WyrdMystic
Inkling
Here’s one that should strike up some decent debate — three questions.
1. Why do people think Tolkien invented Elves?
2. Why do people warn of copying Tolkien’s elves when they were in fact (aside from the genius language created by Tolkien) copies themselves?
3. Why is using elves different to using vampires, werewolves or any other mythological creature?
Discuss.
Background -
Tolkien did not invent elves. He invented a language for them to speak, pure genius, but they were around for centuries before Tolkien. All the way from Norse and Germanic mythology where they are depicted as tall, strong heroes with pointed ears and believed to be divine — having the power to help or hinder humans as they choose — through to Old English mythology where they were pests thought to cause nightmares and hiccups.
No-one using elves is ripping off Tolkien. They are not his invention.
Goes for mining Dwarves too — creatures living in mountains associated with craft and technology. Apparent in Norse, Germanic and Old English mythology alike. In fact — one Norse dwarf got so greedy with stockpiling his gold he turned into a dragon (sound familiar)?
1. Why do people think Tolkien invented Elves?
2. Why do people warn of copying Tolkien’s elves when they were in fact (aside from the genius language created by Tolkien) copies themselves?
3. Why is using elves different to using vampires, werewolves or any other mythological creature?
Discuss.
Background -
Tolkien did not invent elves. He invented a language for them to speak, pure genius, but they were around for centuries before Tolkien. All the way from Norse and Germanic mythology where they are depicted as tall, strong heroes with pointed ears and believed to be divine — having the power to help or hinder humans as they choose — through to Old English mythology where they were pests thought to cause nightmares and hiccups.
No-one using elves is ripping off Tolkien. They are not his invention.
Goes for mining Dwarves too — creatures living in mountains associated with craft and technology. Apparent in Norse, Germanic and Old English mythology alike. In fact — one Norse dwarf got so greedy with stockpiling his gold he turned into a dragon (sound familiar)?