[Alassante]

I have noticed a lot of stories lately mention elves psychically speaking to each other or even reading minds of mortals or OCs. Is this canon or fanon? I always felt an elf might have a "sixth sense" so to speak due to their heightened senses which would allow them to sense something was wrong. Like when Legolas told Aragorn in FOTR that something didn't feel right when they were on the banks of the river and so on. I know some had the gift of foresight (Elrond, Galadriel) but that seemed rare and special even among the elves that knew. Telepathy between them was more than I imagined. And the number of stories that have this in it have increased.

Is this just a fanon thing or have I been denying my elves one of their senses??

[SpaceWeavil]

I have a copy of an essay by Tolkien on telepathy amongst Elves. It's a bit lengthy, but basically it says that yes, telepathy is possible, even amongst Men though in them the ability is weaker. It also discusses how the mind can be closed against such 'reading' and how it was against the laws of the Valar to force such a reading. Basically things like fear and the sensation of being forced to give up the mind's secrets actually made the mind close up and made it harder to read, which is why folks like Melkor tried to be sneaky and use trickery instead.

I have the essay in WinWord format, generously sent to me by another member, and can forward you a copy if that would help?

[Alassante]