tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7546539734691237729.post6505601571623269874..comments2023-09-27T10:59:34.348-04:00Comments on Let's Make Believe: Tolkien, Race and ArchetypesChris Lowrancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14261681408965717414noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7546539734691237729.post-82102453371240868212010-06-28T12:08:24.403-04:002010-06-28T12:08:24.403-04:00I agree, Trey. Like I said, it's a benign raci...I agree, Trey. Like I said, it's a benign racism, like claiming black people are better at sports because of "fast-twitch muscle tissue."<br /><br />Actually, the definition of species, like most things in science, has exceptions. There are inter-species hybrids that can reproduce. Still, I found the idea that half-elves and half-orcs are sterile (as mules or ligers) so interesting that it's now the rule in my campaign.<br /><br />I do allow for the idea of half-dragons, tieflings and the like. In those cases... well, magic. Magic cares not for your DNA.Chris Lowrancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14261681408965717414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7546539734691237729.post-75642434359290659282010-06-28T06:45:53.761-04:002010-06-28T06:45:53.761-04:00I agree. I would also say, however modern standard...I agree. I would also say, however modern standards of such things view part of Tolkien's portrayal of dwarves in an unfortunately life, it seems that his linking of them with Jewish people was actually in terms of more <i>positive</i> traits in his mind--at least based on what I've read.<br /><br />Presumably, elves at least are in the same species as humans, since interbreeding with fertile offspring is possible--so maybe a subspecies? Dwarves may or may not be.Treyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04647628467658839351noreply@blogger.com