:211 They marry only once for it was ruled by Manwë that, "'since the Elves are by nature permanent in life within Arda, so also is their unmarred marriage.'" :225 Finwë, the King of the Noldor, was an exception. :229 By their very nature, they are "seldom swayed by the desires of the body" or influenced by lust. Monogamy is practised and adultery is unthinkable. :210 Sexuality, marriage, and parenthoodĮlves marry for love, or at least with free will from both parties, typically early in life. Physical puberty is generally complete by their fiftieth year (by age fifty they reach their adult height), but they are not considered full-grown until a hundred years have passed. :209-10 In their twenties, they might still appear physically seven years old, though the Elf-child would have mature language and skill, :228 whereas Men at the same age are already physically mature. :209-10Įlves' bodies developed slower than those of Men, but their minds developed more swiftly. :212 The day of their begetting is remembered, not the actual birthday itself, because bringing forth children is an act of will, and it required a "greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body" than takes place "in the making of mortal children." :212 By their first year, Elf children can speak, walk, and dance, and their quicker onset of mental maturity makes young Elves seem older than they actually are. Elves are born about one year after their begetting.
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