Valian year?

[Puddleglum]

Originally Posted by Findegil

We have only one example of how the pure state of that fate was meant to look like, and that is Elessar.

Wasn't that also the normal pattern of the Numenoreans in their early years? Akallabeth notes that Tar-Atanamir clung to life beyond the end of all joy and states that "he was the first of the Numenoreans to do this, refusing to depart until he was witless and unmanned" I think there is more said about this elsewhere (not with my books right now) but it makes it sound like Elros and his descendants (and, apparently, all the people) were of the habit to lay down their lives of free will and "give back the gift" - up until the shadow fell on the land.

Still, the details of how they viewed this returning of the gift is not spelled out except in the case of Elessar Telcontar - and that, largely, because of the contrast of having Aragorn conversing with a half-elf who chose mortality only after living as an elf for many hundreds of years --- and that is a unique conversation. The only other similar conversation in the history of Arda (Beren to Luthien as they departed Tol-Galen for the last time on their journey from Arda) was never recorded - at least, never recorded for mortal ears - so we don't know how Beren advised Luthien.

Actually, that conversation would have been doubly unique - since even Aragorn lacked the perspective of Beren (& Luthien). THEY had already died once before.

Fear not, Lu. We've walked this path before. Departing is just the start of another journey - one we will continue to walk together - on into the presence of the One who made all Ea.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Puddleglum

Wasn't that also the normal pattern of the Numenoreans in their early years? Akallabeth notes that Tar-Atanamir clung to life beyond the end of all joy and states that "he was the first of the Numenoreans to do this, refusing to depart until he was witless and unmanned" I think there is more said about this elsewhere (not with my books right now) but it makes it sound like Elros and his descendants (and, apparently, all the people) were of the habit to lay down their lives of free will and "give back the gift" - up until the shadow fell on the land.

Having viewed the responses here, I found another reference to the matter by Tolkien in Letters.

As for Frodo or other mortals, they could only dwell in Aman for a limited time - whether brief or long. The Valar had neither the power to the right to confer 'immortality' upon them. Their sojourn was a 'purgatory', but one of peace and healing and they would eventually pass away (die at their own desire and of free will) to destinations of which the Elves knew nothing.

Letter # 325

That indicates that Frodo, Bilbo, Gimli, and later, Sam, would after arrival in Aman be able to choose voluntarily to lay down their lives and die, even as the Númenóreans. So the 'weariness' felt by Aragorn would come upon them, and then they would know their time had come. Would 'clinging' to life then lead to the loss of their faculties, as happened to Tar-Atanamir?

[Mumriken]

Interesting so their life times indeed would be prolonged.

[Galin]

I don't think the letter necessarily describes that their lives would be prolonged.

[Mumriken]

they would eventually pass away (die at their own desire and of free will

Sounds to me like "EVENTUALLY" and "FREE WILL" suggests their life would be prolonged. How many years we are talking about...who knows. I'd say a hundred or so.

[Galin]

All that need mean (in my opinion) is that eventually their time would come to die (whether brief or long), but knowing this they could then choose to die of free will instead of waiting untill the moment death would naturally take them.

As for Frodo or other mortals, they could only dwell in Aman for a limited time - whether brief or long. The Valar had neither the power nor the right to confer 'immortality' upon them. Their sojourn was a 'purgatory', but one of peace and healing and they would eventually pass away (die at their own desire and of free will) to destinations of which the Elves knew nothing.

The Valar have no right to confer immortality upon them... but did have the right to extend their life span? For myself I don't think so; again I just think Tolkien is comparing their deaths to that of Aragorn.