tolkien-feels
Semi-crack theory:
the reason mortals such as men and hobbits remark on how elves are as merry as children is actually because this is how elves see themselves interacting with each other
but this is how they see themselves interacting with mortals
Elf A, seeing Thorin's Company approaching Rivendell: Quick! What developmental stage they're at???? Are we talking middle school?? Nursery???? How complex can we make our Welcome to Rivendell song???
Elf B: They look pretty young to me? But dwarf ages make no sense!!!!
Elf A, panicking: The river is flowing! O! tra-la-la-lally here down in the valley! Mary had a little lamb itsy bitsy spider the wheels on the bus ABCDEFG