The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

***Mithadan*** · 08-21-2002, 01:58 PM

This is an issue that saw significant change as Tolkien's works evolved. His earliest conception (Lost Tales and early Silmarillion drafts) seems to be that Elves who rejected the initial summons of the Valar could not pass into the West at all, though the forgive Noldor could return to Tol Eressea but were barred from Valinor.

A later conception is that all Elves could pass into the West but the rebellious Noldor could only go as far as Tol Eressea.

The published Silmarillion suggests that the Noldor could dwell on Tol Eressea "from whence they might come even to Valinor" (quote is from memory) hinting that they could visit but not live there. I have not checked HoME to see if there is a similar passage in the later versions of the draft Sil.

08-21-2002, 01:58 PM	#6
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,394	This is an issue that saw significant change as Tolkien's works evolved. His earliest conception (Lost Tales and early Silmarillion drafts) seems to be that Elves who rejected the initial summons of the Valar could not pass into the West at all, though the forgive Noldor could return to Tol Eressea but were barred from Valinor. A later conception is that all Elves could pass into the West but the rebellious Noldor could only go as far as Tol Eressea. The published Silmarillion suggests that the Noldor could dwell on Tol Eressea "from whence they might come even to Valinor" (quote is from memory) hinting that they could visit but not live there. I have not checked HoME to see if there is a similar passage in the later versions of the draft Sil. __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.