Why are elves always this way?

A few more lines from “Tristram of Lyonesse,” somewhat appropriate to the discussion today.

She sought and drew the gold cup forth and smiled
Marvelling, with such light wonder as a child
That hears of glad sad life in magic lands;
And bare it back to Tristram with pure hands
Holding the love-draught that should be for flame
To burn out of them fear and faith and shame,
And lighten all their life up in men's sight,
And make them sad for ever.

( Rant on elvesCollapse )

It’s amazing how few people try to take elves back to the original legends, or come up with their own twists, or just do anything other than imitate.