[Halfir]

"I think the offer of redemption is always present; it's the one who has to make the choice to accept it who prolongs the process."

I think this post says it perfectly, and yes, I did understand your point, and tend to agree with it. But nine, which you didn't intend to zero in on plays a very important role in the Eddas and Tolkien clearly was influenced in turn. I've yet however, to find an adequate explanation of why nine is such a mystic number. I've seen myriads of examples but no explanation - and I haven't yet one of my own.