The Biology of Elves and Men.

**Nurvingiel** · 02-05-2003, 02:09 AM

In Biology class, we learned that the definition of a species is:

Quote:

One that can interbreed to produce viable, fertile offspring, and who have similar physical characteristics.

In this case, wouldn't Elves and Men be the same species?

Example: Donkeys and horses are considered to be seperate species because their offspring, mules and hinnies, can't have children.

Luthien and Beren had children who were in turn able to produce fertile children for generations. (A dry, scientific run-down of an amazing love story, I know, but love is for Arts majors.

)

Elves and Men also have decently similar physical characteristics, in that they have two legs, two eyes, hair, etc.

Are they the same species, or, as defined in Middle-earth, the same race?

If they are not, why not?

afro-elf · 02-05-2003, 03:41 AM

I believe that in Tolkien's letter's he said that they were biological the same species but Elves had the greater gifts. That is just a paraphrase. It may have been posted here or on xenite.

afro-elf · 02-05-2003, 03:50 AM

try these links

http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/show...s&pagenumber=1

http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/show...ogically+elves

http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/show...ogically+elves

**Nurvingiel** · 02-05-2003, 01:51 PM

Thanks Afro-Elf, why didn't I find these when I was looking for related threads?

Is the conclusion that they are biologically the same, but with different gifts?

I feel the trash can icon slowly approaching...

***Sister Golden Hair*** · 02-05-2003, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nurvingiel
Thanks Afro-Elf, why didn't I find these when I was looking for related threads?

Is the conclusion that they are biologically the same, but with different gifts?

I feel the trash can icon slowly approaching...

They are biologically the same except in spirit also.

The trash can icon? Oh, you mean my little pad lock?

02-05-2003, 03:41 AM	#2
afro-elf Hoplite Nomad Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 3,931	I believe that in Tolkien's letter's he said that they were biological the same species but Elves had the greater gifts. That is just a paraphrase. It may have been posted here or on xenite. __________________ About Eowyn, Does anyone know what her alias Dernhelm means? She was kown as dernhelm because of her exclaimation when she realized that the rider's headgear was heavy and obscured her sight. 'Dern Helm" Culled from Entmoot From Kirinski 57 and Wayfarer.

02-05-2003, 03:50 AM	#3
afro-elf Hoplite Nomad Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 3,931	try these links http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/show...s&pagenumber=1 http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/show...ogically+elves http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/show...ogically+elves __________________ About Eowyn, Does anyone know what her alias Dernhelm means? She was kown as dernhelm because of her exclaimation when she realized that the rider's headgear was heavy and obscured her sight. 'Dern Helm" Culled from Entmoot From Kirinski 57 and Wayfarer.