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Bliss
Joined: 19 Jun 2008
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:50 am Post subject: A question of the Metric System |
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This may sound a bit random, but how was Height measured in Middle-earth?
We know that Thingol and Maedhros were exceptionally tall, but I don't understand how their height was actually measured nor how to convert meters or inches to Tolkien's probable own metric system.
I am, of course, merely assuming that he uses his own system for measurement. After all, the Elves have their own system of 'years', which is actually composed of 144 human years called Yéni...so why not a means for calculating height?
Any ideas? |
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NeumeIndil
Joined: 06 Jun 2005
Posts: 1084
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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| Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:59 am Post subject: |
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I'd say just use the metric system, though when Tolkien was writing, they used Imperial measures, so that might be something to consider as well. (i.e.: A Stonesweight = about 14 lbs, so the average human weighs bewteen 7 and 14 stone, or 98 - 196lbs.)
For converting back and forth between US and metric systems, I like onlinconversions.com .
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Bliss
Joined: 19 Jun 2008
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:27 am Post subject: |
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Thank you for your response, it was very helpful  . |
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NancyBrooke
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Joined: 11 May 2003
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| Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:20 am Post subject: |
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There is a uniquely Tolkien unit of measurement, the Ranga, but I can't find the original reference. Perhaps someone else could fill this in?
Here is the definition from the Encyclopedia of Arda (http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/r/ranga.html):
| Quote: | | A measure used by the Númenóreans and their descendants in Middle-earth. One ranga was defined as the length of the stride of a man walking at ease, and seems to have corresponded to a length of thirty-eight inches, or 0.97 metres. A height of two rangar was conventionally referred to as 'man-high', representing (approximately) the average height of a Dúnadan as 6 feet, 4 inches, or 1.93 metres. The Halflings were named by the Dúnedain as being half their own height on average, so if two rangar were 'man-high', then one ranga can be considered roughly 'Hobbit-high'. |
But what you choose depends on how 'authentic' you want to be. To describe distance, e.g., Tolkien routinely used leagues (a league being roughly 3 miles), and I personally like to take him as my model, and use leagues, furlongs, yards, feet, spans, hands etc.
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Bliss
Joined: 19 Jun 2008
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| Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:53 pm Post subject: |
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Here is the definition from the Encyclopedia of Arda (http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/r/ranga.html):
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Brilliant! |
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Robbie
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Joined: 22 Jun 2003
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Location: Sydney, Australia.
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| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:38 am Post subject: |
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Use the old money!
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