[Nogrod]

I must admit I have never thought of this, but reading your posts this one thing really strikes me: all who are redempted in one way or another achieve their redemption by death.

The case of Lobelia is a telling one. Why did she have to die as soon she had changed her ways? Why was it not possible for her to change her views and then live happily as a redeemed person in her community?

I think it has to do with Tolkien's particular view of catholicism (and thus a very negative view on human psyche?), even if I can't quite grasp it in any more detail at the moment.