Why Tolkien Regretted His Elves

Summary

The video explores J.R.R. Tolkien's complex feelings about the portrayal of elves in his works, particularly in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit.' Initially inspired by medieval legends, Tolkien's elves embody beauty, nature, and immortality. However, he later expressed regret over the term 'elves,' influenced by modern interpretations that depicted them as whimsical and mischievous. This shift in perception, exacerbated by Victorian fairy tales and popular culture, troubled Tolkien, who sought to preserve their ancient dignity. Despite his regrets, Tolkien's contributions profoundly shaped the modern understanding of elves, transforming them into enduring symbols of fantasy.

Takeaways

• 🧙‍♂️ Tolkien had regrets about writing elves into his works, despite their significant impact on fantasy literature.
• 📚 Elves are a central aspect of Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit*, as well as his lifelong passion project, *The Silmarillion*.
• 🌳 Tolkien was inspired by medieval legends and sought to create a mythology for England, drawing on ancient mythological creatures like elves.
• ✨ In medieval traditions, elves were often viewed as ethereal beings connected to nature, differing greatly from modern interpretations.
• 🧚‍♂️ The perception of elves evolved over time, influenced by works like those of Shakespeare, which contributed to a shift toward whimsical representations.
• 🏰 The Victorian era saw the rise of the fairy-like elf, characterized by small size and mischief, which diverged from Tolkien's original inspirations.
• 🎅 Tolkien lamented how modern depictions of elves, especially in popular culture, detracted from their ancient mythological significance.
• 🔤 Tolkien deliberately spelled 'dwarfs' with an 'F' to differentiate his dwarfs from the whimsical, modern portrayals popularized by Disney.
• ✉️ In his letters, Tolkien expressed regret for using the term 'elves,' feeling it carried too many modern connotations that diminished their essence.
• 🌍 Despite his regrets, Tolkien's works have profoundly influenced how elves are perceived in contemporary fantasy, shaping their legacy for generations.

Q & A

What was J.R.R. Tolkien's initial inspiration for including elves in his writings?

Tolkien was inspired by medieval legends and stories, particularly from Germanic tradition, where elves were seen as ethereal and magical beings. He aimed to create a mythology for England, and elves embodied the spirit of fantasy he wanted to convey.

How did the perception of elves change from the medieval period to Tolkien's time?

Over the centuries, the perception of elves shifted significantly. Medieval elves were often seen as noble and ethereal, but by the early modern period, they had become intertwined with fairies, depicted as small, whimsical, and mischievous creatures, especially influenced by works from Shakespeare and the Victorian era.

What specific aspect of modern elf representation disappointed Tolkien?

Tolkien was disappointed that the modern representation of elves had become trivialized, associated with Santa's elves and the whimsical fairies of popular culture. He felt that these portrayals undermined the seriousness and grandeur of the ancient mythological beings he admired.

What unique spelling did Tolkien use for 'dwarfs,' and why?

Tolkien insisted on spelling 'dwarfs' with a 'v' instead of 'dwarves' to distinguish his characters from the more whimsical representations popularized by companies like Disney. This spelling choice was part of his effort to preserve the authenticity of the mythological creatures.

What did Tolkien express in his letters regarding the term 'elves'?

In his letter 151, Tolkien expressed regret for using the term 'elves,' stating that it had become overloaded with regrettable connotations due to modern interpretations. He wished that the term could reflect the ancient dignity of the creatures he had intended to portray.

How did Tolkien's perception of elves differ from the popular view in his lifetime?

While the general public associated elves with small, mischievous creatures, Tolkien saw them as noble, immortal beings deeply connected to nature. He was concerned that the modern view would overshadow the true essence of the elves he admired in mythology.

What was the significance of the term 'quendi' in Tolkien's works?

The term 'quendi' refers to elves in Tolkien's constructed language. Tolkien preferred this term for its connection to the elves' ancient origins and to emphasize their unique cultural identity, distancing them from modern connotations.

In what ways did Tolkien's works influence the modern portrayal of elves?

Tolkien's writings redefined elves as wise, immortal beings closely associated with nature, which influenced countless adaptations in literature and media, leading to the modern image of elves as noble and ethereal, seen in works like Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer.

Why did Tolkien feel that he had negatively impacted his own work by using the term 'elves'?

Tolkien believed that the modern associations with the term 'elves' would detract from the serious themes and emotions he wished to convey in his work. He felt that these connotations might compromise the integrity of his storytelling.

What legacy did Tolkien leave regarding the concept of elves?

Despite his regrets, Tolkien's portrayal of elves fundamentally changed how these mythical beings are perceived globally. His work cemented the image of elves as majestic, wise creatures in popular culture, leaving a lasting impact on fantasy literature.