The Cultural Harmony: Elves' Singing as Dwarves Arrive in Rivendell

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, the scene where elves sing as dwarves arrive in Rivendell highlights a complex web of themes and character dynamics. This scene serves to illustrate the rich tapestry of Middle-earth, emphasizing the cultural contrasts and the welcoming atmosphere that Tolkien carefully crafts.

Cultural Contrast: Elves and Dwarves

Elves are often depicted as joyful and ethereal beings, appreciating beauty and art. Their singing here serves to contrast with the more rugged and pragmatic nature of the dwarves. This cultural difference is vital in emphasizing the distinct cultures within Middle-earth, revealing that harmony and understanding can often arise from recognizing and appreciating such contrasts.

Welcoming Atmosphere: The Hospitable Elves of Rivendell

The elves of Rivendell, particularly under the guidance of Elrond, are known for their exceptional hospitality. The singing can be seen as a welcoming gesture, meant to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for weary travelers. This act reflects their joy in hosting guests, regardless of their background. It underscores the significance of hospitality in Tolkien's world, where even magical events and festivities are centered around the comfort and well-being of visitors.

Foreshadowing and Tone: A Moment of Respite

The elves' song might also serve a narrative purpose in foreshadowing the adventures and challenges that lie ahead for the dwarves and Bilbo. The lightness of the music contrasts with the darker elements of their journey, providing a moment of respite and beauty before the looming trials. This musical interlude sets the tone for the interactions between different races, hinting at the possibility of friendship and collaboration despite cultural differences.

Connection to Nature: The Elves' Deep Connection to the World Around Them

Elvish songs often reflect their deep connection to nature and the world around them. The singing can symbolize the harmony of Rivendell, a place of peace and beauty, further emphasizing its significance as a refuge. This musical connection to nature is a recurring theme in Tolkien's works, where the elves are often depicted as guardians of nature, preserving the beauty and balance of the world.

The Myth of Elven Mirth: Behind the Scenes of Elven Festivities

Tolkien hadn't originally written elves as more serious characters in The Hobbit. In the original book, both elves and dwarves were far sillier, often engaged in joking songs. When Tolkien decided to make his story more mature, he changed the songs to being more dignified.

A memorable line from Shadow of War emphasizes this misconception: when finding an ornate elven vase, Talion asks if the elves ever celebrated anything. Celebrimbor, in his typical haughty manner, describes elven parties as "refined affairs" that are not as rowdy or rambunctious as those held by men or dwarves.

Elves are certainly capable of singing and dancing. Although Tolkien might have envisioned their festivities as more akin to dinner parties among smaller groups and open-air festivals like May Day parties among entire communities. This image of a refined people more graceful than Men is captured in Peter Jackson's depiction, where the elves are shown as rather dour and serious folk. So it can be understandable why they don't seem the sort to go singing and dancing.

Music, including instruments, sing-songs, and dancing, played a large role in Tolkien's world, similar to the medieval period he often depicted. Tolkien's elves admired life and were capable of energy beyond feats of combat prowess and acrobatics, just as the universe was said to be a song performed by the Valar. Elves had a song for every occasion, not just the somber choir that so identifies them in Jackson's depictions.

When the Dwarven party asks if they're attending a funeral and if somebody died, even the elves might have to agree that the festival was a little sad. This momentary melancholy adds depth to the celebration, suggesting that joy and sorrow can coexist in even the most festive of elven gatherings.

Overall, while the elves' singing on the arrival of dwarves might first seem uncharacteristic, it is a deliberate choice by Tolkien to illustrate the richness of Middle-earth's cultures and to set the tone for the interactions between these different races.