Since that time I have come across a few exceptions. You are correct. There is reference to elves eating meat in The Hobbit – precisely the scene you mention. And also in History of Middle Earth XI(?) Morgoth’s Ring. In an obscure discussion of the differences between elven men and women it says men hunt. I *think* I have come across references to hunting even in Valinor although it is not entirely clear.

In no way does this detract from your fine point – but this raises the issue of “canon”. If something is in the early manuscripts that does not end up in The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, or even The Silmarillion – is that because Tolkien had an idea that eventually he set aside? And in what sense does Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion take priority over The Hobbit? In The Hobbit elves in Rivendell appear rather silly. I would venture that the image of elves in the other books is more authoritative. The Hobbit might be the “exception” rather than the “rule”.

It is still fair to say *in general* elves are not shown hunting or eating meat. But there are a few exceptions and obscure references that I need to take into account.

Now, to the point at hand. I was referring to the chain of logic, at least as presented in Andy’s quote above, that Mathewes-Green seems to be making directly from the fast of Daniel and its reasons to the reminder that Christian’s live in exile as a result of the fall. So I of course understand that often something will inspire a movement and that it will then move far from its origins. But if one is looking for a biblical justification then I think this is tenuous at best, since I would argue the original context must remain somehow relevant for its continued application. Otherwise, it merely serves as an exegetical “hook” from which a new interpretation is hung.

Daniel and the Boyz ate what they did because they were in exile (good, I am with that) and because all meat would have been sacrificed to idols.

I think we need to distinguish between the motive for the “Daniel fast” in, well, the (context of the) book of Daniel… and for the “Daniel fast” in Orthodox Christianity. Orthodoxy may have borrowed the form of the fast from Daniel, and yet practice that form of the fast for rather different reasons.

Btw – you are the very first person to leave a comment on any of the posts on this website. So thanks! and congratulations!

BTW, the division of posts has worked to your favor here. :^) I will now move on to the elves!