why are Men killing each other but not 🧝Elves

[Elberlight]

Besides the crazy things that Feanor and his sons did the Elven races are generally at peace with each other, and although the Silvan elves disliked the Noldor, it's hard to picture them going to war with each other. But when reading the Unfinished Tales I find that the hatred between Gondor and the Dunlendings is almost implacable, and I don't think it's simply because the Dunlendings sided with Saruman or Sauron - these two evil ones more like took advantage of the hatred of the Dunlendings than caused it. So what do you guys think? Is it because Elves are simply wiser and more civilized than Men? I really want to hear your opinions!

 

[Starbrow]

Maybe it's because they don't die. If you live forever, you might figure out that war is not the answer.

 

[Elberlight]

Maybe it's because they don't die. If you live forever, you might figure out that war is not the answer.

Emm this makes good sense.

 

[Matthew Bailey]

I think it is likely more to do with the Elves' deeper connection to the world of the Fëa than simply because they live longer.

BUT... The fact that they live longer is DUE to their connection to the Fëar of Arda itself. They and Arda are linked, body-and-soul.

So... Yes... They are likely to have a value for Life that is absent in the Humanity after the Fall of Man spoken of in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth.

And recall that the Kinslaying of Elves only resulted (in all instances) because of the Oath of Fëanor. The Noldorin Elves who took this oath corrupted their Fëa in doing so, severing them from Arda to a degree.

And in the greater extent of things, Starbrow is exactly correct. Having a Life that can only be ended through violence or the most vast depths of grief gives one a perspective and patience that omits violence as a first option (or second option, or third option, etc.). The Elves never went looking for war save for due to being Driven by Fëanor's vengeance against Morgoth. Again this is a corruption of their Fëa.

Recall that the Elves did not even give any thought to weapons (save for those used in hunting and fishing, to feed and clothe themselves) until Morgoth put the perverted thought into their heads... Or.... As in the case of the Moriquendi and Avari, they only gave heed to producing weapons to protect themselves from the evils of Melkor/Morgoth.

MB

 

[Elberlight]

I think it is likely more to do with the Elves' deeper connection to the world of the Fëa than simply because they live longer.

BUT... The fact that they live longer is DUE to their connection to the Fëar of Arda itself. They and Arda are linked, body-and-soul.

So... Yes... They are likely to have a value for Life that is absent in the Humanity after the Fall of Man spoken of in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth.

And recall that the Kinslaying of Elves only resulted (in all instances) because of the Oath of Fëanor. The Noldorin Elves who took this oath corrupted their Fëa in doing so, severing them from Arda to a degree.

And in the greater extent of things, Starbrow is exactly correct. Having a Life that can only be ended through violence or the most vast depths of grief gives one a perspective and patience that omits violence as a first option (or second option, or third option, etc.). The Elves never went looking for war save for due to being Driven by Fëanor's vengeance against Morgoth. Again this is a corruption of their Fëa.

Recall that the Elves did not even give any thought to weapons (save for those used in hunting and fishing, to feed and clothe themselves) until Morgoth put the perverted thought into their heads... Or.... As in the case of the Moriquendi and Avari, they only gave heed to producing weapons to protect themselves from the evils of Melkor/Morgoth.

MB

Thanks for your insight! I agree with what you said about Elvish Fëar and violence as an option. I've just read Morgoth's Ring recently and I've begun to understand it a little better.