September 14, 2004

Question/comment
Nienna

Hello everyone. I've been reading all of your posts, and the thoughts that so many of you put into them are just amazing to me. Anyway, a couple things from me.

In many of the older postings, people have stated that the lives of the ring bearers (Frodo, Sam, and Bilbo)would "wither and grow weary the sooner, as moths in a light too strong & steadfast" by going to the Blessed Realm. I'm questioning whether or not that is true. The ring bearers, because of their great achievements, were granted the RIGHT to board the ships to the Blessed Realm and therefore have a fate apart...similar to Earendil. The only catch is, like Earendil, they can not return to mortal lands...like being "adjudged to the Firstborn."

The Numenoreans on the other hand, were NOT given the right to sail West and were told if they did so, they would be going against Eru...the whole forbidden fruit concept. Anyway, those are my comments--what do you think?

My question for the forum is this: Were the exiled elves (returning from M.E.)allowed to step foot on Valinor, or just the Isle of Eressea? I'm just curious, because I haven't read any passages that say they went to Valinor, rather to the haven of Avallone on Eressea. Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

Nienna