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Originally Posted by Andsigil
Does anyone have any ideas on why Glorfindel was special enough to rate reincarnation/resurrection by Mandos? Certainly he was heroic, but he's also one of many such elves and, judged among them, nothing special.
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Resurrection appears to have been typical for slain elves, but Glorfindel was notable for two reasons. First, he was a Noldo, and the Noldor were banned from returning to Aman--thus also, presumably, banned from reincarnation. Because of his sacrifice he was judged to be absolved of guilt and was allowed to be reincarnated. Second, he returned to Middle-earth after having been restored, which was, as far as we know, unique.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beregond
Do you think it is any co-incidence that Gandalf also was "brought back" shortly after destroying a Balrog?
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It is. Glorfindel's death and Gandalf's were different, and their means of return was also different. The fact that a Balrog slew them both is irrelevant.