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Forum Home » Books Discussion » BC Archive: The Silmarillion » Quote of the week III.12 Of men
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PotbellyHairyfoot
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Post Quote of the week III.12 Of men
on: September 29, 2009 03:30
But men were more frail, more easily slain by weapon or mischance, and less easily healed; subject to sickness and many ills; and they grew old and died. What may befall their spirits after death the Elves know not.


It seems that men sort of got the lesser deal; yet despite that they accomplished so much. What advantages did men have?
Hercynian
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Post RE: Quote of the week III.12 Of men
on: October 02, 2009 05:05
If your time is limited then maybe you'll get off your duff and get something done ... is a crude, back-handed response.

I still think Tolkien saw his Elves as something for us to look up to. When Men first appeared, we were a topic of debate. The Sylvan Elves opposed us based on our inferiorities. Even we debated among ourselves whether to be involved with Elves, that we'd be taken advantage of, become their flunkies.
Passepartout
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Post RE: Quote of the week III.12 Of men
on: October 06, 2009 11:07
I think that the short life for men might have been an advantage because it would cause a sense of urgency to them and encourage them to accomplish many things in their life because they only have a short time to live. That is probably why they accomplished a lot.
Sava-Tennoio
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Post RE: Quote of the week III.12 Of men
on: October 06, 2009 04:11
Also, the shorter life span of men seemed to make them inclined to think more of the present and future. Whereas, Elves seemed to dwell long on the past, and therefore they did not plan as much for the future.

Does that sound reasonable?
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