Literature
Elves and Wizards: Journey to Valinor from Middle-earth
Elves and Wizards: Journey to Valinor from Middle-earth
The long journey of immortality from Middle-earth to Valinor has many intriguing stories and motivations. This essay explores the journeys of several notable individuals—Elves, Wizards, and even Hobbits—who made the perilous and ultimately rewarding voyage across uncharted seas.
Elves of the Noldor: Battle Against Darkness
The Noldor Elves, known for their pursuit of justice and their swift battle to reclaim their stolen Simarils from Morgoth, eventually understood the depth of their quest for vengeance and the need for peace and resolution. As they realized that their war would always serve to prolong the darkness rather than extinguish it, they began their journey back to the undying lands of Valinor.
However, they did not leave Middle-earth all at once. Over the course of many years, these Elves embraced their destiny as Valar and Valinor became their home. Elrond, for instance, continued to rule over Imladris, the city of Rivendell, shaping the future of mortal and immortal realms through his noble service.
Wizards Istar (Maia): Their Departure from Middle-earth
Among the Istar(Wizards) or Maiar sent by the Valar, various roles led them to their final destinations. Gandalf, the Grey and White Wizard, represented Istar’s mission of assisting Middle-earth in its struggle against Sauron. Despite being resurrected and brought back to Middle-earth, it is clear that his ultimate purpose was to return to Valinor once it was no longer needed. His deeds in defeating Sauron and guiding the hobbits ultimately fulfilled the reason for his journey. Gandalf, now known as Gandalf the White, finally makes his journey to Valinor where his eternal reign will continue in the undying land.
Deserving Mortals: Bilbo and Frodo Baggins
Considering Bilbo and Frodo, the two hobbits who undertook one of the most significant quests in Middle-earth’s history, they too were granted special permission to enter Valinor. This extraordinary journey held deep significance as Tolkien himself wished the hobbits to find peace and an escape from the burdens of their leadership and the weight of the one ring. Bilbo, aged 111 years, had longed to leave Middle-earth due to his unusually long and youthful life. This special passage to Valinor provided a sense of closure and reward for Frodo, who had suffered greatly from his journey. They were seen as beloved kin who would experience a natural and peaceful death, as opposed to the lingering pain and dangers that marked their mortal lives.
The Uncertain Departure of Samwise Gamgee
Samwise, who like Bilbo and Frodo bore the One Ring, also embarked on a journey similar to his companions. However, his story remains ambiguous. The text of ldquo;The Return of the Kingrdquo; ends with Sam at an advanced age, overlooking the possibility of him finding passage on an elven ship to Valinor. It leaves the reader with the ambiguity of whether he actually made his way to Valinor, possibly as a representation of the many paths to peace that could be walking unrecognized, or an indication of the mysterious and sometimes uncertain nature of the voyages to Valinor.