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We know Elves do procreate and have children. We know they do have sex. Immortal beings with normal reproduction would fill Middle-earth if left unchecked (like rabbits).

We see Elrond with 3 children in 3500 years which would be unlikely for a human.

I can only think of 3 reasons:

  • Reduced sex. Elves have a reduced sexual drive (similar to Vulcan Pon Farr) so that they have intercourse only every couple hundred of years (sad sad sad life).
  • Reduced fertility. Elves have sex at the normal rate but it’s really difficult for them to get pregnant so you can literally spend 1000 years trying.
  • Contraception. Not so unlikely as some contraception methods are documented going back to B.C. dates.

Is there any canon source as to why there are so few Elves in Middle-earth?

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  • Elrond is over 6000 years old, not 3500.
    – Daniel Roseman
    Apr 20, 2018 at 21:52
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    We see Elrond with 3 children in 3500 years which would be unlikely for a human. Moreso due to the being 3000+ (or 6000+) years old part than the 3 children part, I presume.
    – Steve-O
    Apr 20, 2018 at 23:25

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