Elven Peculiarities: Why Some Elves Refused to Sails to Valinor and Remained Bound to Middle Earth

Why did certain elves in Tolkien's world exhibit such stubbornness and unyielding loyalty to Middle Earth? From the very beginning of their race, some elves refused to sail to the divine realm of Valinor. This essay explores the reasons behind their decision, examining the enduring love and loyalty of these enigmatic beings to their realm.

Introduction to Elves and Their Home

Elves are not merely mythical beings; they are a profound and intricate part of Tolkien's fantasy world. Tolkien notes that elves could choose to go to Valinor or remain in Middle-earth to fade away over millennia, yet many chose to stay. Interestingly, Tolkien's creation of the fantasy world richly imagines creatures that exist far beyond our everyday reality. Elves evaded existence in the literal sense, being a product of imagination and storytelling rather than real beings. Their world, Middle Earth, and Valinor are places of fantasy, solely existing within the mind of the creator.

The Reasons Behind Their Refusal

1. Protection from Morgoth

Some early elves were wary of traveling to Valinor, especially when faced with the threat of Morgoth. Morgoth, the primary antagonist, was known for his kidnappings and subjugations. Traveling by sea would have been more vulnerable, leading to hesitation and caution among these early elves.

2. Followers of Elwe

Elwe, one of the most prominent elves, spent over two centuries in a trance-like state with his wife Melian, engraining a deep bond between them and their loved ones. Many elves were so devoted to their leader that they refused to leave without him, reflecting a deep sense of loyalty and affection.

3. Nature of Middle Earth

Some elves simply loved Middle Earth so much that they were content to remain and fade away there. The beauty and mystery of the world, as reflected in tales like The Lord of the Rings, inspired their choice to stay. They aimed to see and potentially rule fair kingdoms, deeply engrained in the natural order of the land.

4. Protecting the Silmarils

The Noldor, led by F?anor and his brethren, abandoned Valinor to pursue and reclaim the Silmarils from Morgoth. Their commitment to their cause meant that they were inherently bound to Middle Earth, with the reforging of the Silmarils embedded in their history and destiny.

The Fate of Refusing Elves

Those elves who remained in Middle Earth, whether for reasons of love, fear, or duty, faced an evolving fate. The concept of fade became a reality for those who preferred to remain in the land of their birth. This process of fading would make them nearly invisible, manifesting in behaviors and circumstances that align with Tolkien’s description: elves would fade and become hard to distinguish from the natural world. As the ages passed, they merged seamlessly with the environment, physically and spiritually.

Key Figures and Their Fate

Tolkien provided specific examples of elves who were either permanently barred or allowed to fade quietly. Maglor, the youngest son of F?anor, is one such example. Because of his heavy crimes and role in the rebellion of the Noldor, Maglor was banned from ever returning to Valinor. The story of Maglor’s banishment and inability to return to Elvenhome adds a poignancy to the tale, encapsulating the tragic dimensions of the elves'Ы choices and consequences.

Conclusion

The elves in Middle Earth who chose to remain and fade away are a testament to the complex emotional and cultural landscapes of Tolkien's fantasy world. Their stories reflect themes of loyalty, love, and the enduring connection to a place that, for them, became a home far beyond the realms of Valinor. These tales resonate with aspects of human nature, reminding us of the profound bonds we can form with places and people, even across time and space.

If you ever encounter an ageless musician with a golden voice and burn scars on his right hand, you may have come across someone who embodies the spirit of a faded elf. Cherish them—for they hold the story of Middle Earth in their very essence.