Arwen - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Mithadan*** · 09-19-2000, 06:07 AM

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Haunting Spirit
Posts: 73</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
<img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/bluepal.jpg" align=absmiddle> Re: Arwen

It appears that after the fall of Morgoth, the Valar had to decide what to do with the half-elven. This is alluded to briefly near the end of the Silmarillion when Mandos asks Manwe what to do about Earendil. It is not completely clear what the exact decision was. Elrond and Elros were required to choose between being elves or men. Elros chose to be mortal and went on to establish Numenor. Elrond chose to be of elvenkind. However, Elros' decision bound his descendents. His grandchild could not suddenly decide to be considered an elf. The sticky point is that Elrond's decision appears to have not bound his descendants. Thus Arwen and her brothers possessed the right to choose the fate of man. Arwen chose to be mortal.

Why the difference between the descendants of Elrond and Elros? Maybe its because the elven blood would continue to be diluted as generations passed for Elros' descendants. In contrast, elves "breed" much slower so, by the end of the Third Age only one generation has passed for Elrond's kin while dozens passed for the heirs of Elros. Recognition of this fundamental difference may have led the Valar to reach their decision.

Interesting that Elrond has twice experienced the loss of kin due to this choice - Arwen and Elros. Also, I just realized the obvious; Elrond is Aragorn's "uncle" umpteen times removed.

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09-19-2000, 06:07 AM	#3
*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">Haunting Spirit Posts: 73</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> <img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/bluepal.jpg" align=absmiddle> Re: Arwen It appears that after the fall of Morgoth, the Valar had to decide what to do with the half-elven. This is alluded to briefly near the end of the Silmarillion when Mandos asks Manwe what to do about Earendil. It is not completely clear what the exact decision was. Elrond and Elros were required to choose between being elves or men. Elros chose to be mortal and went on to establish Numenor. Elrond chose to be of elvenkind. However, Elros' decision bound his descendents. His grandchild could not suddenly decide to be considered an elf. The sticky point is that Elrond's decision appears to have not bound his descendants. Thus Arwen and her brothers possessed the right to choose the fate of man. Arwen chose to be mortal. Why the difference between the descendants of Elrond and Elros? Maybe its because the elven blood would continue to be diluted as generations passed for Elros' descendants. In contrast, elves "breed" much slower so, by the end of the Third Age only one generation has passed for Elrond's kin while dozens passed for the heirs of Elros. Recognition of this fundamental difference may have led the Valar to reach their decision. Interesting that Elrond has twice experienced the loss of kin due to this choice - Arwen and Elros. Also, I just realized the obvious; Elrond is Aragorn's "uncle" umpteen times removed. </p> __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.