The Long Peace and Reproduction of the Elves (Noldor)

[Sister Golden Hair]

Does anyone know what the population of the Noldor was by the end of the First Age? It seems that so many were lost in battles. Another reason I ask, is because Finrod told Andreth that the Elves do not wed or bare children in time of war. If this is so, then there must have been very few Elves born in the First Age. It seems as if they were always at war except during the Siege of Angband during the Long Peace. Just how long was the Long Peace? Was this a baby boom for the Noldor. If not, then I would think they would have dwindeled to a small population by the Second Age if what Finrod told Andreth is true.

[Kirinki54]

Originally posted by Sister Golden Hair
Just how long was the Long Peace?

I think it was counted from the first time Glaurung came forth (and was defeated) around 265 FA; "...there was the Long Peace of wellnigh two hundred years." (Of the Return of the Noldor). It was broken by Dagor Bragollach 455 FA.

Given the nativity rate of Elves, it is still not a very long time. But there must somehow have been a baby boom? How were their hosts filled?

[easterlinge]

Michael Martinez wrote a long article about Elvish population sizes, but if you ask me, his numbers are a bit inflated.