Quote:
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The belief of the Elves in Middle earth is phrased in such a way as to make it sound like the Elves in Valinor knew differently.
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Looking back at the quote, I see that this is a good point. It's interesting, however, that the narrative doesn't quite commit itself to the Dwarves' belief either ("they say"). Is the admittance to Mandos based on possessing a soul, then? Does everyone with a soul go to the Halls of Mandos? What about Ents (assuming an Ent were to die)?
It occurs to me that the idea of the Elves that Dwarves return to stone, assuming that it's theological rather than political, would have to be based on a different conception of the Halls, in which they would think them reserved for the Children of Iluvatar. Interesting. That also explains why the Elves in Valinor would think differently; they might know more about the Halls themselves (since they were closer).
Is this right?
--Belin Ibaimendi
[ July 23, 2002: Message edited by: Belin ]