ALL72006

A quick perusal of the internet reveals a lot of information about elves as they appear in modern fantasy books, films and games. We learn for example that once they reach maturity they are immune from illness and ageing, which must be nice. We also learn that there is little physical difference between males and females, except what is necessary for reproduction, which is a feature that the film-makers probably found too difficult to reproduce on screen. We mention this because three of these figures have apparent breasts, which we must assume mean they are female. Two are archers and one holds both sword and dagger, and all wear much shorter tunics than the long gowns of the males. Since we are told that the differences between the sexes are minimal, we must assume the legs of the males are equally shapely. Their poses however as every bit as combative as the others, so they seem to be equals as warriors. The clothing and armour on all these figures is very complex and exotic, and would surely make a great subject for painting. The long gowns and many flowing cloaks might not make the best of battle attire, but it does give them an impressive look, particularly those helmets which most of the males wear but none of the females have. The weaponry is mostly bow and long sword, and both are of interesting design, with more thought to eye-catching shape than to basic functionality. The middle figure in the bottom row is very curious as he holds his sword at the top end of a very long handle, which makes the rest of the handle pointless and more of an encumbrance than anything else.

The sculpting here is beautiful, which is as well as elves are supposed to be beauties themselves. The detail is extensive and very sharp, and with almost no flash. The sword poses are nice and lively, though a couple are rather flat, and the middle figure in the second row is incomprehensible as he holds his long sword directly above his head for no obvious reason. The very ornate shields are a bit silly too, at least to the eye of a real-world warrior, but the overall look is great despite everything. Perhaps these are some higher caste of elves as they seem more impressive than either of the previous sets of elves from Light Alliance, but really nice figures by any standards.