The Maiar

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

It is perhaps taking the analogy too far to wonder whether, since the One Ring could only be unmade in the fires of Mt. Doom, where it was forged, can Arda only be unmade through the power of the Flame Imperishable with which Iluvatar brought it into being?

That's sensible to me. Since creation had its beginning in Eru, utter destruction must be of him as well.

[Puddleglum]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

That's sensible to me. Since creation had its beginning in Eru, utter destruction must be of him as well.

There is an interesting (tho short) commentary on "The End" (of Middle Earth) in UT "Of Tuor and his coming to Gondolin". Ulmo, when he spoke to Tuor, spoke of a rift in the armor of fate and a breach in the walls of Doom "until the full-making, which ye call the End."

I think that harkens back to Tolkien's description of the History of Arda as a Great Drama: like Eru is writing a living play; And "the End" is simply the completion of the Play - the "Full Making". But, of course, if the story of Arda is simply a Play, that implies something greater and more "real" outside the Playhouse. And that can be intriguing - even if it is not essential to enjoy the story itself.

[Findegil]

That the End comes from Eru himself is seen Ainulindale, where it is Eru that ends the play.

Respectfully
Findegil