On The Origins of Humans
In this paper on Human and Elf biology and anatomy, I intend to demonstrate that Humans, despite their surface-level similarities, are in fact not related to Elves. And furthermore, though not empirically proven, suggest that this has strong indications for our own origin as well as theological implications.
The Imitation Conjecture
Two Competing Thoughts
How did Elves come to be? It might seem odd that I start this paper on Humans by talking about Elves, but I promise it will become relevant. The question has been discussed throughout the ages, and two competing ideas have emerged; are we created by the gods or did we come from simpler ancestors, changing slowly over generations?
Creation might seem the obvious answer. Of course the gods created us, who else? Though the accounts of exactly which of the gods and why differ depending on whom you ask, some go as far as to question if the gods even exist at all.
On the other ear, we have the so-called “change” conjecture, the idea that simple creatures over time grow to better master their surroundings. Which certainly makes sense given that Elves have this ability to adapt over relatively few generations. Take the Crimson Elves as an example; the Sea has only glowed red for a few thousand years, and within that time the Elves who previously called themselves Thorn Elves formed a bond with the essence of the sea, turning them red as well.
Though Elves seem to adapt much faster, some scholars claim this principle extends further to all creatures, at least to a lesser extent, and that all living things are related, should we go back far enough. As an example, Elves, Rindr, and Avia, while looking quite different from each other now, all share the same basic internal structure, pointing to a shared past. But that very same fact can equally be used to support that they are created by the same designer.
So, what about humans? They look more similar to Elves than any other kin—surely, they are even closer relatives? I propose they are not. The Human internal structure is very different, suggesting the opposite. This, to me, is proof that Elves and Humans are in fact not related at all. (See the next page for details.)
The Hayden Conjecture
How, then, do we explain the similarities between the two? Now, here comes the crux of my own conjecture and likely why both sides of the debate will hate me: Both the change and the creation conjecture are true. Any creature that lives will adapt, true, but the original creatures were still created by the gods.
Moreover, Humans are not a relative of the Elves, but neither are they just a separate creation; they are a copy. One could even say a flawed copy—like an apprentice trying to replicate their master’s work while lacking the skills required for the task.
The skeletal structure of Humans is very reminiscent to that of the Elves, but it’s made from a more brittle bone and with less flexibility in the joints. Looking at the internal organs, again, we see some similarities, but here the inferior craft becomes more apparent. Their systems are inefficient and seem placed somewhat haphazardly, like if parts were tacked on to patch the flaws of others. And the creator seemingly ran out of space, which explains why Humans have a bulkier core and hardly any redundancy.
If we look at other creatures, we find that most have—though variation is great—a similar organ structure to Elves, but a few share the organs of Humans: foxes, bears, and small goats, for example (though the small goats seem to be a copy of their larger counterpart as well). Furthermore, not a single one of these creatures are ever mentioned in the historical record before the sixth triquennium.
This all leads me to conclude that Humans and creatures with similar organs were all created at a later time by a different creator. One that possibly tried to create their own version of Elves (and goats), but didn’t quite get there.
Why are Human so Weird?
A lecture series by Heyden Brin, hosted at the Elizium Baths.
Lecture 1: Biology & Anatomy
Lecture 2: Culture & Habits
Lecture 3: Practical Application (Human volunteers will be joining)
Reading List:
- The Origin of Humans by H. Brin
- Humans: The Short Life by H. Brin
- Cross-Kin (human chapter) by M. Ravenwood
Six Key Differences Between Human and Elf Biology
After my in-depth study of the Human anatomy, I can now present the evidence to support my conjecture.
Brain
Though the workings of the brain is poorly understood for both Humans and Elves, we can clearly see both similarities and differences. Most notably is the missing sphere at the base of the spine, where it is believed the soul resides.
Throat
Interestingly, the windpipe is located in front of the gullet on humans, as opposed to Elves. This explains why humans have such short tongues, as their voice box takes up the space where the base of the Elf’s tongue begins. This design results in humans choking on food much easier. It also explains the difference in Human and Elf voices.
Heart
The Human heart and lungs are quite similar in function to the Elves, but they only have two lungs and a single heart, though each are larger to compensate.
Abdomen
The organs of the abdomen are the largest variation with most being completely different. The Human organs are generally bulkier and less efficient, which is why humans are wider around the midriff as well as having a slightly longer torso. They also lack any equivalent of the tenebrous system, likely explaining the condition known as aging.
Energy
Humans store surplus consumed nutrition as fat that builds up in various places on their bodies. While Elves also have some fat deposits, Humans lack the Globular Cluster and Phlegm System which more effectively stores and releases energy.
Fun fact: If this system gets damaged, the Elf will start to build up fat much like a human. Though not directly harmful, a diet of more leaves and less cake is often advised in such cases.
General layout
Lastly, and maybe the largest indicator of a different creator, is the often asymmetrical and haphazardly placed Human organs, while the Elven system is orderly, with organs that work together through direct connection and with almost every organ having a redundant backup.
Seers Eye
The seers eye is an elven organ nestled in under the globular cluster and between the recondenser shells, replacing the uterus. Seers are, of course, needed in the elven reproduktion, where their role is to create new souls for the elven eggs.
Seers are in any other way indistinguishable from a female. Even the seer themselves don’t know until the eye awakens in their late youngester-years. Though in semi-rare cases the eye never awakens and the elf can go their entire life thinking they are female, though wont be able to reproduce as one.
Elven Anatomy
Face
- Eye
- Nose
- Mouth
- Tongue
Neck Region
- Wind Pipe
- Gullet
- Voice box
- Spine
Cognative System
- Outer Brain
- Center Brain
- Flimflam
- Soul Sphere
- Brainstem
Circulatory System
- Segmented Lungs
- Double Hearts
- Blood Repository
Tenebrous System
- Umbral Plexus
- Marrow Morpher
- Califax Membrane
- Smoligath
Sanguine System
- Blood Purifier
- Sanguine Syphon
Phlegm System
- Nutrient Distiller
- Globular Cluster
- Flumix Tubes
- Recondenser Coil
Gastric System
- Stomach
- Acid Fluxer
- Digestive Spiral
- Lower Intestine
Pelvic Region
- Shell Gland (female)
- Uterus (female)
- Seer’s eye (seer)
- Flopper (male)
- Bladder
Human Strengths
Yet more reasons some of you will disagree with me, but I feel it has to be noted that the Human do, in fact, possess a few traits that are superior to Elves.
- Humans are slightly larger than elves and can, under the right conditions, grow physically stronger.
- Their fat reserves do not only make them soft and cuddly, but also gives them a resistance to cold.
- Their ability to reproduce without a seer and without giving up their soul (if they even have one) means they breed much earlier in life. Resulting in rapid population growth if enough resources are available.
- Humans have been known to show extraordinary bravery, even with disregard for their own life, when protecting their family, friends, and kinsmen.
Other Features
These differences are likely not relevant to my research, but I elected to include them for completeness.
Ears
Humans truly have puny ears. Their upper edge is folded around to make a half circle, whereas the Elf’s point backwards. Humans also don’t have any muscles to move their ears. This is why Elves who are not used to communicating with them often find them emotionless, as their ears don’t convey any emotions (certainly a benefit in a game of Dice & Lies). One simply must learn to ignore their ears and look at their face.
Appearance
Humans range from light beige to dark brown. Fiends and Lerna are the closest Elves in skin color, though the former is even paler, and the latter have a more ash-gray hue, while Humans have a warmer tone. As far as I can tell there is just one kind of Human, with no substantial difference between them other regional variations of skin, hair and eye color.
Reproduction & Sex Ratios
As with nearly all non-elves, Human have no seers and require only a female and a male to reproduce. Also of note is that they do not lay eggs, rather carry their offspring in their belly. Unsurprisingly, Elves and Humans cannot produce offspring together, like different kinds of Elves can. Humans have an even ratio of the sexes, whereas elves and most other kin tend to have ratios skewed in one direction or the other. I’m not sure if this can be used to strengthen my argument or if it’s pure coincidence. Further study is required.
Study tip:
If you want to study elf anatomy, ask an Amber Elf friend for help. As their skin is transparent, you can see their insides. Their organs are also partially see through but clearly visible if you hold a lantern behind them.
