Elves vs. Humans: How the Choice of Race Affects a Story's Dynamics
When crafting a narrative, the choice of character race can have significant implications on the story's dynamics. This is particularly evident when one considers the choice between elves and humans. This article explores how differences between these two races, especially when it comes to lifespan and magical abilities, can reshape the narrative and its thematic elements.
A Case Study: Immortal Elves and Tiny Elves
The difference in characters can be starkly illustrated by comparing two notable works: J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and George MacDonald's "The Bottle of Carasoyn." In Tolkien's world, the elves are portrayed as immortal beings with a lifespan of over 1000 years, a trait that fundamentally changes their relationship with mortality and societal structures. Conversely, the elves in "The Bottle of Carasoyn" are a smaller, more bound to nature, race that cares deeply about preserving the land, a trait that further differentiates their nature from humans.
The Novel "Earth's Gift" and the Unique Elf-Human Contrast
In my upcoming novel titled "Earth's Gift," I chose to have elves live for exactly 1000 years. This is the only absolute difference between elves and humans, and it forms the cornerstone of the narrative. One of the unique challenges posed by this setting is how the elves would approach issues such as civil war and conflict with orcs when their lifespan is essentially non-restrictive. In a world where 'short-lived' is not a significant factor, the elves' approach to these issues would differ significantly from that of humans, leading to a complex and nuanced storyline.
The Role of Characters as Stand-ins for Humans
When we anthropomorphize animals or use robots as characters in our stories, we usually do so to explore humanly relatable themes of goals, conflicts, and emotions. Characters like rabbits in a burrow or salvage robots in space serve as metaphorical stand-ins for human experiences, allowing us to explore these themes in a fantastical setting.
Elves: Diverse Interpretations and Attributes
The concept of elves is as diverse as it is enduring. The idea of an elf has evolved significantly over time, with different cultures and writers envisioning them in a multitude of ways. Even within the realm of what is typically associated with Tolkien's elves, there is a wide range of attributes and behaviors that can vary. Some elves may be ageless or functionally immortal, leading them to have a unique perspective on long-term goals and relationships. Other elves, like those in "The Bottle of Carasoyn," might be inherently magical, capable of walking on the snow or sensing magic, which changes both their problem-solving abilities and their worldview.
Elves in a World with Humans and Other Non-Evens
The presence of other races, such as orcs or humans, further complicates the dynamics. The way elves interact with these beings can lead to interesting confrontations and alliances. For instance, an elf who is ageless and immortal may approach a human civil war with a very different mindset than a human, leading to potential conflicts or unexpected alliances. Their magical abilities might also set them apart in negotiations or battles, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Conclusion
The choice between elves and humans, or between different types of elves, can profoundly influence the narrative and its themes. By exploring the differences in attributes such as lifespan, magic, and worldview, a writer can create a rich and dynamic story. Whether the elves are immortal, magical, or simply have a longer lifespan, these elements can redefine the relationships, conflicts, and goals within the story, making the narrative all the more compelling.