The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - How many times have you read the Lord of the Rings

***Mithadan*** · 04-04-2001, 06:40 AM

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Spirit of Mist
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Re: Re

Galadrielle, when I first (and probably second and third) read LoTR, I believed that the Hobbits were allowed "elvish" lifespans in the West. The first intimation that this might not be true came in the discussion of the nature of the Undying Lands in Akallabeth (in Silm.). There, elves spoke to the Numenoreans and stated that the Undying Lands are as they are by virtue of the "deathless" who live there, rather than any virtue in the land itself. Thus men who lived there would not be deathless and might even die faster like a moth in a flame.

Later, I read Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien. There, JRRT discusses precisely this issue and relates that the Ringbearers went to the West for healing, etc. but would live out their lives and die. The Valar cannot take away the "Gift of Iluvatar".

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>

04-04-2001, 06:40 AM	#13
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,394	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Spirit of Mist Posts: 801</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: Re Galadrielle, when I first (and probably second and third) read LoTR, I believed that the Hobbits were allowed "elvish" lifespans in the West. The first intimation that this might not be true came in the discussion of the nature of the Undying Lands in Akallabeth (in Silm.). There, elves spoke to the Numenoreans and stated that the Undying Lands are as they are by virtue of the "deathless" who live there, rather than any virtue in the land itself. Thus men who lived there would not be deathless and might even die faster like a moth in a flame. Later, I read Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien. There, JRRT discusses precisely this issue and relates that the Ringbearers went to the West for healing, etc. but would live out their lives and die. The Valar cannot take away the "Gift of Iluvatar". --Mithadan-- "The Silmarils with living light were kindled clear, and waxing bright shone like stars that in the North above the reek of earth leap forth." </p> __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.