House elves question

[jmwcfo]

No: HPFGUIDX 174662

> Bart:
> it makes sense that house elves are an engineered species rather than 
a natural one. Which brings up the question, WHICH species were turned 
into house elves? Was it a non-sentient form of life, who were somehow 
given sentience, or was it a higher form of life, that was enslaved. > 
> Bart


JW:
During my second reading of DH, I reflected on the physical and 
psychological similarities and differences between elves and goblins.  
My speculation was that they could be cousins.  Perhaps elves are 
the "great ape" equivalent in the goblin family tree.  Perhaps elves 
are a sub-species of goblin, selected and husbanded for lessor 
intelligence, docility, subservience, loyalty, etc. as dogs were bred 
from wolves.

Perhaps this is the root of goblin resentment of wizards.