Good question, Arathiriel, and good post, ainur. Mortals pass through the Halls of Mandos on their way to whatever the 'gift of man' entails beyond the limits of Arda. Elves go to the Halls until they are healed, and are then returned to life in Valinor. Hobbits are a variety of Man, and therefore mortals. Tolkien wrote something about those mortals who were allowed to go across the sea and said they would not fade or age there and would be able to choose when they were ready to accept the gift and go on, much as Aragorn did. Then they would lie down and sleep, and pass away. Tales of Tol Eressea is an excellent fan-fiction which touches on this in that section of the Barrowdowns --By Mithadan, I believe.
I had the same thoughts about Smeagol after death that you did, ainur. I posted a question on The Judgement of Smeagol (which you can find by doing a search), asking whether he passed through Mandos and on and I ended up doing a post in which Bilbo showed up there and guided Smeagol on to whatever happens next. (Frodo was still back with Sam in my post). I'd like to think Smeagol managed to accept the gift and didn't just linger on as a ghost. That can happen to elves who die and refuse the summons and I believe it can happen to men (hobbits) also.
[ October 12, 2002: Message edited by: Nar ]
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