Since the release of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, elves have become symbols of eternal beauty and wisdom. In 'The Rings of Power', we meet this mysterious race once again, raising the question: how long do elves live? The answer is not straightforward, as their lifespan is not just about years—it’s a philosophy in itself.
It turns out elves experience three stages of life: childhood, endless adulthood, and old age, which manifests primarily as weariness of the world.
Childhood and Youth
Elves mature in an unusual way. By the age of one, they can already speak and dance. However, their physical development lags behind their mental growth. For instance, by the age of 20, an elf has the mind of an adult but the appearance of a seven-year-old child. They only reach full maturity by the age of 100.
Endless Adulthood
At 50, an elf’s body stops aging. During this phase, they reach the peak of their physical form but continue to grow intellectually. In peaceful times, elves hone their skills, becoming unparalleled masters of crafts and arts over thousands of years.
Old Age and Weariness
Despite their immortality, elves can grow weary of life in Middle-earth. Many choose to travel to Valinor, where they can continue their existence in peace. Those who remain in Middle-earth grow ancient, like the legendary Círdan, who even grew a beard—a rare trait among elves.
Immortality but Not Invulnerability
Elves are immortal unless they succumb to wounds or despair. Their immortality means freedom from aging and illness but not from physical death. In The Rings of Power, we witness elves sacrificing their lives in battles, fully aware of the risks. Another way an elf may die is by losing the will to live. Overwhelmed by grief and despair, they slowly fade away.
