The Grey Havens

[Galadriel55]

I second Inzil's welcome. Have a pleasant stay at the Downs, TheLostPilgrim!

Originally Posted by TheLostPilgrim

Which leads me to another question: What happens to regular spirits (as in the spirit of a Hobbit or a Dwarf, etc) when they die? I know Saruman's spirit was left to wander Middle Earth as a powerless shade forever, I suppose as punishment for his continued treachery and malice.

But what of lesser spirits, where do they go when the physical body dies in Tolkien's cosmology? And what about Smeagol? I wonder if his poor soul ever found peace....

The spirits, or fear (singular fea) of the Elves are bound to the world. They may not leave it. After death they are summoned to a place called Mandos in the Undying Lands, where, after some time, most of them are allowed to reincarnate. Some of them don't heed the call, though, and I believe their spirits wander aimlessly around Middle Earth (but I might be mistaken with this point).

Men are not bound to the world. Their fear leave it upon death to go to the One. Mortality is a gift to them from him - the lves don't get to leave the world, even when they get tired.

I believe there was some discussion on a different thread about what exactly happened to Saruman's fea. There were many arguments, but one thing in common was that he was not allowed to return to the Undying Lands. Gandalf was the opposite - when he died on Zirakzigil his fea went to Valinor (the Undying Lands), and was sent back to finish his mission.


I hope this answered some of your questions without making your head hurt. It must sound very confusing. I really suggest reading The Silmarillion. It contains many answers to your questions, as well as much history behind LOTR - the legendary Feanor's story, for one, and Gondolin for another, as well as many others.