JaneDoe
Joined: 19 Nov 2003
Posts: 0
Location: My own little world
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 Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 12:37 am Post subject: Fate of Elves and Men in Remaking of Arda (and beyond) |
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Here's an idea that I had when I was considering the ultimately tragic nature of Elf-mortal romances in Tolkien's world. Granted, there is no evidence in canon to support this, so this is basically just an intuitive leap.
If the fate of the Elves is intimately tied with Arda, could it be that when Arda is (was?) remade, they too will be remade? Will it happen all at once, or will it be piece by piece? What would things be like for them once the change has happened?
I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the things Andreth says in the "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth" hold an answer. The most pertinent quote:
| Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth wrote: | "Across the gulf that divides our kindreds!" said Andreth. "Is there no bridge but mere words?" And then she wept again.
"There may be. For some. I do not know," he said. "The gulf, maybe, is between our fates rather, for else we are close akin, closer than any other creatures in the world. Yet perilous is it to cross a gulf set by doom; and should any do so, they will not find joy upon the other side, but the griefs of both. So I deem."
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This, in combination with what happens when an Elf and a mortal fall in love, indicates that there are at least two possibilities for Elves and Men in Arda Remade. Both are tied to the choice of the Half-Elven. The first possibility is that an Elf can, like Arwen and Luthien before her, give up immortality. Granted, death is known as the Gift of Men, so why would Elves remain immortal if they can go beyond Arda? I think it has to do with their basic psychology, especially as described in "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth." Apparently, Elven bodies and spirits live in closer harmony than do those of Men, likely because of their more intimate bond with Arda. By and large, I'd see most Elves staying immortal because it's more agreeable to their psychology as creatures more wholly of Arda.
The second possibility is that a mortal can refuse the Gift of Men. With the possibility of leaving the confines of the world, what mortal in his or her right mind would choose to die? Once again, it has to do with their basic nature. As described by Tolkien, Men have a spirit that is constantly seeking someplace beyond, and death is the means by which that beyond is granted. Most Men would remain mortal because they are spiritually compelled to figure out what lies on the other side of the bridge, so to speak.
From here it seems pretty obvious how the choice of the Half-Elven figures into this. The freedom to choose one's own fate (and all the boons and burdens that come with it), I think, will be part of the plan of Arda Remade. I can envision it working a lot like Luthien's choice for Elves. For Men, being as they are on a tight schedule, they have to decide prior to dying which fate they want. Like the choice of Luthien and the Half-Elven, I doubt this fate would be reversible considering that the deepest desires of the spirit are what makes the choice rather than mere whimsy.
Somehow, I think the sorrow and suffering endured up until that point is preparing both Men and Elves for the greater freedom that will be enjoyed in Arda Remade. I think a full understanding of the risks and rewards of both fates would have to be well-known on both an individual and collective level. For an Elf, despite having mortal loved ones die, the issue is whether it's worth leaving behind all the past and present joys in the world, and all the people who still remain. For mortals, the question is whether it's worth staying in a world and never, ever being able to find out what lies beyond.
That's just my take on it. I'd love to hear other ideas on what can happen. |
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SecretKeeper
Joined: 12 Dec 2004
Posts: 228
Location: Cardinal Rule 1: Never state your location.
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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I believe there is a bit of truth in your theory about Arda being re-made. After all, at the end of all things, the Elves must be ready to fight and such. However, I don't have theories straight at the moment so please forgive me for sounding illogical and rambling.
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"Merciful Heavens and Hells! There's a sword sticking out from you! Would you like me to pull it out and make your passing easier?" |
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JaneDoe
Joined: 19 Nov 2003
Posts: 0
Location: My own little world
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 10:24 pm Post subject: |
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| I know it's been a while since I visited this thread, but I just finished a book that gives a wonderful vision of how Arda Remade would look. It's not like what I said in my first post, but it's an interesting alternative nonetheless. It's Diane Duane's novel Stealing the Elf-King's Roses. It's available in paperback in Barnes & Noble. Just insert your favorite dark-haired Elf in the title role, and it looks a heck of a lot like a possible future for Arda. |
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