Talk:Aen Elle/@comment-81.236.217.47-20150528232311/@comment-163.150.167.78-20170428181830

Elves retain a striking similarity because of the popularity of Tolkien's work. Rarely an author will deviate from that model or the conventions popularized by Dungeons and Dragons) but in the meta an elf is typically an elf the same way a dwarf is typically a dwarf.

Sapowski's elves are a bit peculiar likely because instead of following the convention he followed the method and derived his elves as much from folklore as fantasy (And Tolkien's elves are derrived from Norse/Teutonic tradition which is a relative in the indoeuropean family tree). And from a systemic perspective doing similar things ends in similar results.

It is worth noting that the elves do have some similarities beyond traditional "Tall, slender, less sexual dimorphism generally, no facial/body hair, etc. etc." mainly in terms of technological advancement (only compared to the Aen Elle). The A.E. have a similar disconect from the world (though they are threatened still not insulated from threats to it) have grandiose architecture, and a cultural emphasis on art. They have much more advanced magic and weapons then humans (and perhaps even dwarves though I dont think a comparison is ever made... though its worth noting that Hattori makes the best weapons in the core Witcher game and the most powerful swords in LotR are also of Elven construction and design). The Aen Seidhe are only alike in terms of geopolitics and the technological differences create a much more striking difference with the Middle Earth dwelling elves having the same superiority of arms and magic to humans as their Valinor dwelling relatives while the A.S. are much inferior to humans more or less from the start in these reguards as well as more distantly connected to their relatives.