Only one lineage?

[Legolas]

Now that just doesn't make sense. Why should a reinfusion of Elvish blood make it necessary for Elrond's children to choose? Why shouldn't it just confirm their Elvish identity as their cousin's Mortal blood on their mother's side supposedly confirmed theirs as Men?

Elros' children were mortal because his parents fundamentally were. Elros was half-elven. Half-elves (or anyone with any mortal blood) were considered mortal (prior to Earendil's family). His wife was mortal.

Half-elf (fundamentally + human = mortals.

Elrond chose immortality, but his blood was fundamentally that of a half-elf - half-elves were naturally mortal unless Eru changed that. Celebrian was an elf.

Half-elf + elf = more half-elves in Earendil's family who get the choice

Makes sense.

[ March 29, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]