Even though there was another thread discussing Immortality
here,
I will still put in my two cents if I may.
I know that it is hard to understand the need for peace (in the mind of a youth) because the young have not tasted life, they have not experienced the wonders of a complete life, they have not experienced all that is experiencable.
(Not that I am all
that old, but I do understand mortality.)
I think with age, you will grasp why some folks like immortality and others don't.
Seeing it with Elros' eyes, I see the need for rest after tumult. Imagine a hard life - of battle and running and hardship. After a while, one feels the need for rest beyond sleep! When life has been so full of joy and experience, there can be an ending. An ending in peace, as a gift, of the choice to die when one wants, is very desirable, in my opinion. it is not said if Man will return to the bosom of Illuvitar. It is said that he will have...a gift...hmmm....!
Seeing it from Elrond's point of view:
He is warped, I think, by the use of his Ring. He desires to bring back what once was, to linger with those whom he loves, and to be with them forever. Note that Elrond's wife is departed! Note that he ever desires to hold Arwen to himself and not share her! I see in him a bitter man (please excuse the expression) who is holding the last remnants of a once bright cloth, now in tatters, but still
there.
How sad the life of the Elves must be. But they are promised to be with Eru Illuvitar in the end (oops,) forever! actually, so why feel worried?
[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: Tirned Tinnu ]