Míriel's death

[Maédhros]

They can also give up their spirit freely, and it leaves to dwell in the Halls of Mandos until the end of the world.

This is usually a fault in the elf.
From Morgoth's Ring: The Later Quenta Silmarillion

For the fëa of Míriel may have departed by necessity, but it departed in the will of not to return. Therein was her fault, for this will was not under compulsion irresistible; it was a failure in hope by the fëa, acceptance of the weariness and weakness of the body, as a thing beyond healing, and which therefore was not healed. But this resolve entailed not only abandoning her own life, but also the desertion fo her spouse, and the marring of his. The justification which she urged is insufficient; for by the gift of a child however great, nor indeed by the gift of many children, the union of marriage is not ended, nor indeed, having further purpose. For one thing, Fëanáro will be deprived of the mother's part in his nurture. Moreover, if she would return she need bear no more, unless by the renewal of rebirth her weariness were healed.

The elf that gave his body to live in Mandos with a good reason was Finwe which allowed his wife to return to her body.

[Macalaure]

Blessed be the Search Function. I was close to opening a new thread about Miriel's decision.


In the Later Quenta Silmarillion in Morgoth's Ring we read that by marrying Indis Finwe accepted the marring of Arda, and we may argue, that this action was the cause for many evils that followed.

But Miriel made a decision as well, maybe not in dying, but in refusing to ever return from Mandos, even after being asked twice. Though I would say that Miriel's pain was graver than Finwes discontent about being unmarried, didn't Miriel accept the marring, too? (as Maedhros' quote suggests)

Yet, Tolkien lets her say the famous: "But hold me blameless in this, and in all that may come after."


How do you see this?

If we are able to blame Finwe, shouldn't we be able to blame Miriel as well, at least to a little extend?
I think this would be a stronger statement than just "She made a fault in this matter".

[Mithalwen]

I must admit, I always thought that Miriel was a bit of a misery - I mean she wouldn't even try. Such negativity is self fulfilling. I think Imperica speaks true though jesting. Feanor's mother chose to leave him - whatever the reason, that is about the worst thing that could happen to a child. Then he has to cope with the competition of less demanding half siblings. No wonder he demanded absolute loyalty from his sons and was generally uncompromising....

[Lalaith]

Sounds like a very bad case of post-natal depression to me. Poor lady.

[Mithalwen]

But do elves get that? And in Valinor..wopuldn't there be healing? And however bad she felt it doesn't change how Feanor would have perceived it. It does seem she gave up her life very quickly after his birth.


I was reading the Narn i hin hurin today and Morwen was another gloomy one....

[Lalaith]

Oh, I *adore* Morwen. She's a bit like Bree in Desperate Housewives, in that I love her because she's my complete opposite...

[Raynor]

Then again, we should remember that out of Indis came Earendil, about whom Mandos foredold:

Originally Posted by Laws and customs of the Eldar, HoME X

But I say unto you that the children of Indis shall also be great, and the Tale of Arda more glorious because of their coming. And from them shall spring things so fair that no tears shall dim their beauty; in whose being the Valar, and the Kindreds both of Elves and of Men that are to come shall all have part, and in whose deeds they shall rejoice. So that, long hence when all that here is, and seemeth yet fair and impregnable, shall nonetheless have faded and passed away, the Light of Aman shall not wholly cease among the free peoples of Arda until the End. When he that shall be called Earendil setteth foot upon the shores of Aman, ye shall remember my words. In that hour ye will not say that the Statute of Justice hath borne fruit only in death; and the griefs that shall come ye shall weigh in the balance, and they shall not seem too heavy compared with the rising of the light when Valinor groweth dim.