Valinor = Heaven for Elves?

[Kiah]

The Undying Lands remind me alot of what Heaven on Earth for the Elves. I believe that when the mortals died, the men , dwarves, hobbits, and goblins, that they would go to Heaven. The Elves who are immortal and therefore cannot die would have to have some resting place for them and so there is Valinor. Does it sound right? And another thing.. Luthien Tinviel game up her immortality and became mortal so did she give up a mortal heaven for a immortal Heaven? Did she give up immortality of the materialistic kind for a more spiritual immortality? Anyone know?

[Malhwesta]

I found this as I was searching the web:

The realm of the Valinor is a magical land, far beyond the western seas, where Elves and angels dwell. It is not heaven, not for humankind, and really not for Elven kind. It is simply a paradise which has been denied to Men (although another paradise was set up for Men). Heaven is where God dwells, Iluvatar, Eru, the One, the All-father. In the end we may all meet up there, Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Angels. Or we may not. We don't really know for sure.

I have no idea how true it is but I hope it helps smilies/biggrin.gif!

[Lyra Greenleaf]

The continent of Aman (which Valinor was on) was used by the Valar as a haven from Morgoth. When the Elves awoke they took them there to protect them from him. I can't remember why they didn't take the men there too, but I think it had to do with the "doom of men", i.e. mortality. Where men go after death was an unknown factor. If Elves die they go to the Halls of Mandos, but they can be "reincarnated". The length of time they have to wait for this varies, according to the good they have done in their lives.

[Amarie of the Vanyar]

In some sense, the Undying Lands are the Heaven for Elves. As Elves cannot leave the Circles of the World this is the closest thing to Heaven that we can reach, at least, before the Dagor Dagorath smilies/wink.gif

But, strictly speaking, I think that the Undying Lands are closer to the Lost Paradise (the Garden of Eden) which is a material 'Heaven' that now is forbidden to Men smilies/wink.gif

[burrahobbit]

Almaren is closer to the Garden of Eden.

[Lord of Angmar]

I believe that when the mortals died, the men , dwarves, hobbits, and goblins, that they would go to Heaven.

First of all, I don't think that the goblins will be going to heaven or paradise anytime soon smilies/tongue.gif Perhaps Tolkien envisioned a purgatory for the servants of Morgoth and Sauron (and evil beings in general), between the world and the place where mortals go when they die. Secondly, I believe the dwarves go to the halls of Aule, their creator. If anyone can find any text to support or debate any of my arguments I would welcome it... I shall do some research myself.

[ July 20, 2003: Message edited by: Lord of Angmar ]

[Kiah]

quote:
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First of all, I don't think that the goblins will be going to heaven or paradise anytime soon
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Why do you think that burrahobbit? I don't believe that all goblins are bad. No entire race is evil.. well besides the orcs that is.. smilies/eek.gif

[Frodo Baggins]

Kiah, dear, Goblins ARE orcs. Goblins and orcs are essentially the same in Middle-Earth.