I believe there is an iron curtain version of Macbeth, and even a Simpson's take on the tragedy: "is this a doughnut I see before me?" The friction with the dwarves started even before that problem with the necklace... why didn't Thingol listen to his wife? She was a Maia, after all, wise as well as powerful. :sigh: In many ways the elves and dwarves are similar: both being jewelers and weaponmakers, both enhancing their works with magic... and both races being secretive and proud. It is interesting that the major work utilizing the skills of both people is the massive door between their realms. I think there was also a lot of simple gut-level competition. It would be easier for elves to get along with men to whom they could feel superior than with someone who was created first (thus usurping their title) and who excelled at the same activities. Carolly