Post by Caitlin on Dec 31, 2004 19:30:01 GMT -5
The five Free Peoples of Middle-earth:
- Elves: The eldest of the Children of Illúvitar, Elves are graceful and elegant. They are immortal -- although they can be slain or poisoned, or can die of a broken heart, they neither age or sicken. The Elves have a strong sense of nature, and often find natural settings to live in -- sometimes even in trees. Most reside in Valinore, the Undying Lands, and those left over in Middle-earth will soon join them, some sooner than later. When an Elf dies, he stays for a time in the Halls of Mandos, then is reincarnated into his body in Valinore. They are expert warriors, and paticularly deadly with a bow: they never miss.
- Dwarves: Because they were created by Aulë the Smith, Dwarves by their nature are miners and craftsmen, the finest in Middle-earth. This led them to become the most prosperous, but also made them prone to greed. The relationship between them and Elves are strained because of their desire to strengthen and protect their treasure hoardes, no matter the cost. They are a secretive people, and not much is known about them. There aren't many she-dwarves (about 1 in 3 Dwarves are female). Their sworn enemies are the Dragons, equal to them in greed and the thieves of many a Dwarf's treasure.
- Men: The youngest race in Middle-earth, Men (or Humans) are just coming into their own. They are also they most versatile of the five free races, and the easiest to corrupt. However, many still have a pure heart, and all are courageous warriors, willing to give their short lives for a cause they believe in.
- Ents: Made by Yavanna's insistence, to protect the forests and trees from Dwarven hands. They have the appearance of the trees they protect -- tall and with bark-like skin, they are often mistaken for one. However, they differ in appearance; some resemble an oak, some a chestnut, etc. The Ents face imminent extinction, as the Ent-Wives have left and no one knows where they went. The Ents are a slow-moving race, not prone to making "hasty" decisions -- but once they are rallied, they can be a surprisingly devastating force.
- Hobbits: Or "Halflings", Hobbits live primarily in the Shire. They are short, "quaint" people, known for their curly, dark hair and hairy feet. They love the simple life -- peace and quiet; a cozy hobbit-hole; and, most of all, good food and pipe-weed -- they are also known for their pot-bellies. Hobbits wear bright colors, usually in shades of yellow and green, and no shoes -- their hairy feet form a naturally thick, leather-like sole that protects them just as much as shoes would.
