The Gift of Man

[Arvedui III]

Don't mean to sound stupid, but I was thinking: Why is dieing called the "Gift" of man?

[Kuruharan]

Looked at from the perspective of Eru, it was the ability to leave the World and go someplace else.

Observing the way that the world is, it might be considered to have its benefits.

[Arvedui III]

Thanks smilies/smile.gif

[Lindolirian]

They (the Eldar) cannot escape, and are bound to this world, never to leave it so long as it lasts, for its life is theirs. And you are punished for the rebellion of Men, you say, in which you had small part, and so it is that you die. But that was not appointed for a punishment. Thus you escape, and leave the world, and are not bound to it, in hope or in weariness. Which of us therefore should envy the other?

This was said by the Elven messengers to Tar-Ciryatan of Numenor, when the Numenoreans first began to envy the immortality of the Eldar and Valar. This quote pretty much gives me a good idea of why Death is the Gift of Men.

[Inderjit Sanghera]

Because they can escape from the circle of the world. They could go to Eru, or wherever they were appointed to die. Eventually immoratility would get boring ,and the Elves would have to reside on Arda until it ends-they have no hope of escape.

[Arvedui III]

Wait, I'm confused. Can't Elves die by fire or metal?

[Kuruharan]

Yes, their bodies can be killed. However, when they die their spirits (usually) go to Mandos for a time of waiting. After that they are given new bodies.

[Inderjit Sanghera]

Yes-In most cases they were given new bodies. But some wold have to remain in Mandos forever (well until the Dagor Dagorath), most notably Finwe and Feanor.