Aman

[Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli]

If Aman was removed from the circles of Arda. how is it the Elves are still able to sail to it?

[The Mirrorball Man]

Originally posted by Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli:
<STRONG>If Aman was removed from the circles of Arda. how is it the Elves are still able to sail to it?</STRONG>

They take the Straight Road where their ships leave the Bent World and just float in the air "as if they were on a mighty bridge invisible".

[Carannillion]

And of course, the Valar will decide who are allowed to sail on this "bridge". In general, only Elves are allowed to come to Aman, but Eärendil, the Númenorean invasion and our friends from the Felloship were allowed entry (actually, the Númenorean invasion may have been able to force an entry, but I'm not sure).

[The Mirrorball Man]

The Númenorean invasion took place before the bending of the ways, since it's precisely because of the downfall of Numenor that the Valar decided to remove Aman from the world.

[Carannillion]

Yes, but even before that event, Aman was denied from anyone whom the Valar did not want to have there (anyone not elvish).

Wasn't Eärendil's journey also before the downfall of Númenor (don't have the Sil here, so I'm unable to check it myself...)?

[Elrian]

Earendil's journey to Aman was in the First Age, Earendil was aided by the Silmaril he bore. The downfall of Numenor was in the Second Age.

[Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli]

Is that "mighty bridge invisible" a quote?
If so, from what book (I dont recall it from the Sil).

Also: do they travel this brigde by the power of Eru, the power of the Valar, or their elves' own power?

I think I should re-read the Silmarillion more thoroughly.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Originally posted by Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli:
Is that "mighty bridge invisible" a quote?

Well, I did use quotation marks, didn't I? smilies/wink.gif

If so, from what book (I dont recall it from the Sil).

It's in Akallabêth.

[Lindolirian]

In "The Atlas of Middle Earth" by Karen Wynn Fonstad, there is a good depiction of what the Staight Way to Aman might look like. It cleared up alot on that for me.