Dwarves (Oh, and Elves, too)

[odclay]

A few months ago I wrote a short entry about what I would've cut from Eldest if I had been the editor. I'm currently working on a longer and more detailed list (with the precise number of chapters and pages), but until then, here's one of the things I would've removed from the book:

Eragon's journey to Ellesmera.

I remember reading an interview

Comments

[hackslayer]

I don't think it's wrong to use elves and dwarves. I think it's wrong to use Tolkien's elves and dwarves. People should think outside the box (or go back inside the box, since Tolkien's thinking was originally outside the box), and derive their own cultures from mythology. Elves don't HAVE too be solemn and mysterious and leaving the land for unknown reasons. Dwarves don't have to live in an underground city and have huge beards and wield axes. Elves and dwarves don't HAVE to have a feud going on for no apparent reason

[odclay]

Well, the thing is, a large population of dwarves in my story live in underground cities. But it's not a love of gold or mining or anything-- they're agoraphobic. It's either the result of "a curse of fear" put upon their race a long time ago that is now deeply ingrained in their psyche...or something else.

I've said too much, haven't I?

[swordpen]

THe Silmarillion was awesome. I could only take it a few chapters at a time, though. Any more than that and my brain would explode. ;)