The Elves leave Middle-earth at different points in time, with the last ship sailing sometime in the Fourth Age. It is commonly asked whether it was really fair for the Elves that leave Middle-earth when the time of war was looming. The most obvious answer was that the Elves ability to leave Middle-earth was known for longer than the War of Sauron. However, there were still many elves who remained, such as Galadriel and Elrond, two of the bearers of the Three Rings. It was even ...
Questions
Tolkien’s thoughts on Disney
Tolkien is believed to have a strong opinion for Disney which is mainly critical - to the point where he didn’t let Disney remake his world. But is it as simple as we may think? I recognize [Walt Disney's] talent, but it has always seemed to me hopelessly corrupted. Though in most of the 'pictures' proceeding from his studios there are admirable or charming passages, the effect of all of them to me is disgusting. Some have given me nausea…—Letter to Miss J.L. Curry, of 15 July 1964]] By ...
How did Aragorn die?
At the age of 210, on March 1, 1541 (FA 120), Aragorn resigned life, as his son, Eldarion, takes his place as King of Gondor and Arnor - and recalls his final words to his wife, Arwen: “Lady Undómiel,…the hour is indeed hard, yet it was made even in that day when we met under the white birches in the garden of Elrond where none now walk. And on the hill of Cerin Amroth when we forsook both the Shadow and the Twilight this doom we accepted. Take counsel with yourself, beloved, and ask whether ...
Can we really say the quest only succeeds because of Sam?
The quote about Sam and Aragorn and love stories, in letter 131 is commonly quoted to imply this idea: “But the highest love-story, that of Aragorn and Arwen Elrond’s daughter is only alluded to as a known thing. It is told elsewhere in a short tale, of Aragorn and Arwen Undómiel. I think the simple ‘rustic’ love of Sam and his Rosie (nowhere elaborated) is absolutely essential to the study of his (the chief hero’s) character, and to the theme of the relation of ordinary life ...
Why does LOTR end with Sam?
LOTR ends with Sam coming back into the Shire, because he was coming back from meeting his friend for one last time at the Grey Havens. Logically, this type of ending seemed to make the most sense. But what does that mean really? There are many reasons why Tolkien decided to have this ending, and it has led some to wonder if it was saying anything about who the main character is. However, in my opinion it does not seem to immediately tell anything about the main character or ...
How did the Númenóreans turn evil?
As they were great mariners, they began to yearn for the West. “The more joyful was their life, the more they began to long for the Immortality of the Eldar.” (Fall of Númenór, “The Shadow Falls on Númenór”) Thus they would desire to have more time to enjoy their crafts and what they’ve made. The first sign of the shadow was from Tar-Minastir, the 11th king. While Ciryatan, his son, scorned the yearnings of his father, he was able to ease the restless by voyaging. They’ve become ...