Tall is beautiful?

Kirinki54 · 10-30-2001, 04:35 PM

Or rather:

How come that the noblest Men and Elves are often depicted as also being the tallest?
Seems to go both for individuals and peoples.

***Sister Golden Hair*** · 10-30-2001, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kirinki54
Or rather:

How come that the noblest Men and Elves are often depicted as also being the tallest?
Seems to go both for individuals and peoples.

I have often wondered about this. Isn't it said that the Elves of Aman or the Exiles were taller then the average man and taller then Elves that were born in Middle-earth?

Kirinki54 · 10-30-2001, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sister Golden Hair
Isn't it said that the Elves of Aman or the Exiles were taller then the average man and taller then Elves that were born in Middle-earth?

Exactly. And the Men of Numenor where the tallest ever. So, why?

Ñólendil · 10-30-2001, 06:36 PM

Not all the noblest were very tall. I know Humphrey Carpenter was surprised to find out J. R. R. Tolkien was of average size, because of how much he made of height in the Lord of the Rings. But many noble peoples were not particularly tall, and there are tall enemies of the Westmen (and evil folk among the Westmen). The Bëorians were shorter and thicker than the Hadorians, and the Halethrim were yet shorter. Beren himself (like Tolkien), was not particularly tall. He was descended from Haldad (Haleth's father), Marach and Bëor the Old. He took after Bëor and Haldad in his heighth, and he was broad-shouldered after the manner of the Bëorians, but he also had golden-brown hair. Tolkien also had golden hair in his youth.

Yet I cannot answer the question.

Captain Stern · 10-30-2001, 07:07 PM

Another notable exception would be Hurin Thallion the mightiest and perhaps the most noble of all men.

Wayfarer · 10-30-2001, 08:07 PM

It prolly has something to do with genetics and nutrition.

Kirinki54 · 10-31-2001, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayfarer
It prolly has something to do with genetics and nutrition.

Yes, and in the case of the Numenorians, good company.

"Thus the years passed, and while Middle-earth went backward and light and wisdom faded, the Dunedain dwelt under the protection of the Valar and the friendship of the Eldar, and they increased in stature both of mind and body." The Sil

***Tessar*** · 11-03-2001, 12:11 AM

Yes hight does have a lot to do with it.

Just look at me! I'm tall for my age and I'm just such a, (looks to see mom isent looking)
hunk

Kirinki54 · 11-03-2001, 04:50 AM

I am NOT advocating height as an especially important quality in the real world!

I was merely noting a tendency occurring in the books. As people have said there was exceptions to the 'rule'.

But I wondered if perhaps Mr Tolkien were somehow influenced by values prevailing in his times?

And also I think from an English point of view that Normans were known to be taller and fairer than the Saxons, which might have influenced Tolkien´s storytelling? (Am I right about Normans/Saxons?)

There is of course a brilliant exception: the Hobbits. They were half-length, often more charming than fair, and on the surface often not very noble but more rustic. Yet they saved the day in LotR. Tolkien even wanted to be one himself!

ArwenEvenstar · 11-03-2001, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kirinki54
And also I think from an English point of view that Normans were known to be taller and fairer than the Saxons, which might have influenced Tolkien´s storytelling? (Am I right about Normans/Saxons?)

I'm not sure if your correct but in one of the Arthurian novels I've read the saxons were big blond and stupid, but in the way some of the women were described they sounded pretty good looking...
(not that I'm gay or anything, but toGUY'S point of view) but before the saxons took over people were genarel darker and shorter... Not tall and fair. But i'm just going by a book I read...

Kirinki54 · 11-04-2001, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ArwenEvenstar

I'm not sure if your correct but in one of the Arthurian novels I've read the saxons were big blond and stupid, but in the way some of the women were described they sounded pretty good looking...
(not that I'm gay or anything, but toGUY'S point of view) but before the saxons took over people were genarel darker and shorter... Not tall and fair. But i'm just going by a book I read...

I think you confuse Normans and Saxons here. But thanks for supporting my argument!

ArwenEvenstar · 11-08-2001, 06:06 PM

probally did...

10-30-2001, 04:35 PM	#1
Kirinki54 Elven Warrior Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: European Union Posts: 463	Tall is beautiful? Or rather: How come that the noblest Men and Elves are often depicted as also being the tallest? Seems to go both for individuals and peoples.

10-30-2001, 06:36 PM	#4
Ñólendil Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: California Posts: 60,865	Not all the noblest were very tall. I know Humphrey Carpenter was surprised to find out J. R. R. Tolkien was of average size, because of how much he made of height in the Lord of the Rings. But many noble peoples were not particularly tall, and there are tall enemies of the Westmen (and evil folk among the Westmen). The Bëorians were shorter and thicker than the Hadorians, and the Halethrim were yet shorter. Beren himself (like Tolkien), was not particularly tall. He was descended from Haldad (Haleth's father), Marach and Bëor the Old. He took after Bëor and Haldad in his heighth, and he was broad-shouldered after the manner of the Bëorians, but he also had golden-brown hair. Tolkien also had golden hair in his youth. Yet I cannot answer the question. __________________ Falmon -- Dylan

10-30-2001, 07:07 PM	#5
Captain Stern Elven Warrior Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 319	Exceptions Another notable exception would be Hurin Thallion the mightiest and perhaps the most noble of all men.

11-08-2001, 06:06 PM	#12
ArwenEvenstar Elf Lord Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: and why do YOU want to know? Posts: 685	probally... probally did... __________________ The only thing active about me is my imagination!

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10-30-2001, 08:07 PM	#6
Wayfarer The Insufferable Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,333	It prolly has something to do with genetics and nutrition.

11-03-2001, 12:11 AM	#8
*Tessar* Master and Wielder of the Cardboard Harp of Gondor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: IM IN UR POSTZ, EDITIN' UR WURDZ Posts: 6,433	Yes hight does have a lot to do with it. Just look at me! I'm tall for my age and I'm just such a, (looks to see mom isent looking) hunk

11-03-2001, 04:50 AM	#9
Kirinki54 Elven Warrior Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: European Union Posts: 463	I am NOT advocating height as an especially important quality in the real world! I was merely noting a tendency occurring in the books. As people have said there was exceptions to the 'rule'. But I wondered if perhaps Mr Tolkien were somehow influenced by values prevailing in his times? And also I think from an English point of view that Normans were known to be taller and fairer than the Saxons, which might have influenced Tolkien´s storytelling? (Am I right about Normans/Saxons?) There is of course a brilliant exception: the Hobbits. They were half-length, often more charming than fair, and on the surface often not very noble but more rustic. Yet they saved the day in LotR. Tolkien even wanted to be one himself!