Elves and death - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Inziladun · 01-03-2009, 10:26 AM

That was the general theory, though the only Elf I can think of who is mentioned as returning to ME in this fashion is Glorfindel.

Lindale · 01-04-2009, 07:50 AM

Isn't there a line in Silm (Beren and Luthien middle portion) or the Lay of Leithian about Finrod Felagund back and laughing in the halls of Valinor?

Elmo · 01-04-2009, 08:07 AM

I recommend you the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth section of Morgoth's Ring. All about the elven and mannish deaths. One of my favourite pieces of writing ever especially the ending. But my copy got nicked.

Findegil · 01-06-2009, 01:12 PM

Normaly the Elfs would stay in Valinor since that is the place were they were reincarnated. Therefore we only have such a rare example of a reincarnated Elf as Glorfindel.

Respectfuly
Findegil

Andsigil · 01-06-2009, 01:45 PM

Does anyone have any ideas on why Glorfindel was special enough to rate reincarnation/resurrection by Mandos? Certainly he was heroic, but he's also one of many such elves and, judged among them, nothing special.

The Might · 01-06-2009, 02:35 PM

Well, because of his noble sacrifice another exception was made at first in his case - he was allowed to return to the Undying Lands, although he had participated in the rebellion.

Why he was then allowed to leave the Undying Lands and got to Middle-earth remains a mystery. I doubt he was the only Elf valiant enough to leave Aman and go help the Elves of M-e, maybe it was his skill that played a part there. After all, it's not like the Valar wanted to allow all the Elves there to leave and go destroy Sauron, they had already done that once and it was enough.

So maybe he was kind of a special agent of Valinor chosen due to his skills, courage and possibly also friendship to Gandalf for example? He may have befriended Olorin during his stay there after all...

Thing is he was among those best qualified to come and support Elrond.

Beregond · 01-06-2009, 02:40 PM

Do you think it is any co-incidence that Gandalf also was "brought back" shortly after destroying a Balrog?

obloquy · 01-06-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andsigil

Does anyone have any ideas on why Glorfindel was special enough to rate reincarnation/resurrection by Mandos? Certainly he was heroic, but he's also one of many such elves and, judged among them, nothing special.

Resurrection appears to have been typical for slain elves, but Glorfindel was notable for two reasons. First, he was a Noldo, and the Noldor were banned from returning to Aman--thus also, presumably, banned from reincarnation. Because of his sacrifice he was judged to be absolved of guilt and was allowed to be reincarnated. Second, he returned to Middle-earth after having been restored, which was, as far as we know, unique.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beregond

Do you think it is any co-incidence that Gandalf also was "brought back" shortly after destroying a Balrog?

It is. Glorfindel's death and Gandalf's were different, and their means of return was also different. The fact that a Balrog slew them both is irrelevant.

01-03-2009, 10:26 AM	#1
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,039	That was the general theory, though the only Elf I can think of who is mentioned as returning to ME in this fashion is Glorfindel. __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

01-04-2009, 07:50 AM	#2
Lindale Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: midway upon... in a forest dark Posts: 975	Isn't there a line in Silm (Beren and Luthien middle portion) or the Lay of Leithian about Finrod Felagund back and laughing in the halls of Valinor? __________________ The heart does things for reasons Reason itself cannot comprehend. - Blaise Pascal Legal Madness.

01-04-2009, 08:07 AM	#3
Elmo Pittodrie Poltergeist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again Posts: 633	I recommend you the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth section of Morgoth's Ring. All about the elven and mannish deaths. One of my favourite pieces of writing ever especially the ending. But my copy got nicked. __________________ As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering.

01-06-2009, 01:45 PM	#5
Andsigil Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The Deepest Forges of Ered Luin Posts: 733	Does anyone have any ideas on why Glorfindel was special enough to rate reincarnation/resurrection by Mandos? Certainly he was heroic, but he's also one of many such elves and, judged among them, nothing special. __________________ Even as fog continues to lie in the valleys, so does ancient sin cling to the low places, the depression in the world consciousness.

01-06-2009, 02:35 PM	#6
The Might Guard of the Citadel Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oxon Posts: 2,205	Well, because of his noble sacrifice another exception was made at first in his case - he was allowed to return to the Undying Lands, although he had participated in the rebellion. Why he was then allowed to leave the Undying Lands and got to Middle-earth remains a mystery. I doubt he was the only Elf valiant enough to leave Aman and go help the Elves of M-e, maybe it was his skill that played a part there. After all, it's not like the Valar wanted to allow all the Elves there to leave and go destroy Sauron, they had already done that once and it was enough. So maybe he was kind of a special agent of Valinor chosen due to his skills, courage and possibly also friendship to Gandalf for example? He may have befriended Olorin during his stay there after all... Thing is he was among those best qualified to come and support Elrond. __________________ “The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.” Delos B. McKown

01-06-2009, 01:12 PM	#4
Findegil King's Writer Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,721	Normaly the Elfs would stay in Valinor since that is the place were they were reincarnated. Therefore we only have such a rare example of a reincarnated Elf as Glorfindel. Respectfuly Findegil

01-06-2009, 02:40 PM	#7
Beregond Playful Ghoul Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,251	Do you think it is any co-incidence that Gandalf also was "brought back" shortly after destroying a Balrog? __________________ "Hope and memory shall live still in some hidden valley where the grass is green."