How can Galadriel go into the West?












26















At the end of the Lord of the Rings, Galadriel hops on a boat and sails away into the West. But wasn't she banned after the kerfuffle caused by Uncle Fëanor?










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  • 3





    Kerfuffle sounds quite a bit more innocuous than what actually happened...

    – AJL
    Aug 19 '15 at 19:30
















26















At the end of the Lord of the Rings, Galadriel hops on a boat and sails away into the West. But wasn't she banned after the kerfuffle caused by Uncle Fëanor?










share|improve this question




















  • 3





    Kerfuffle sounds quite a bit more innocuous than what actually happened...

    – AJL
    Aug 19 '15 at 19:30














26












26








26


1






At the end of the Lord of the Rings, Galadriel hops on a boat and sails away into the West. But wasn't she banned after the kerfuffle caused by Uncle Fëanor?










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At the end of the Lord of the Rings, Galadriel hops on a boat and sails away into the West. But wasn't she banned after the kerfuffle caused by Uncle Fëanor?







the-lord-of-the-rings tolkiens-legendarium galadriel






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edited Mar 11 '17 at 22:05









Mithrandir

25.5k9133184




25.5k9133184










asked Dec 27 '12 at 4:55









wxffleswxffles

23635




23635








  • 3





    Kerfuffle sounds quite a bit more innocuous than what actually happened...

    – AJL
    Aug 19 '15 at 19:30














  • 3





    Kerfuffle sounds quite a bit more innocuous than what actually happened...

    – AJL
    Aug 19 '15 at 19:30








3




3





Kerfuffle sounds quite a bit more innocuous than what actually happened...

– AJL
Aug 19 '15 at 19:30





Kerfuffle sounds quite a bit more innocuous than what actually happened...

– AJL
Aug 19 '15 at 19:30










6 Answers
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23














All was forgiven after the War of Wrath and the Noldor were allowed to return. Actually, all the Elves were strongly urged to return, but some chose to stay in Middle-earth. For them, The Straight Path to Valinor was still available to them for when they chose to leave.



This is explained in the final page of "Akallabêth" in The Silmarillion.






share|improve this answer





















  • 9





    Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

    – MadTux
    Mar 11 '13 at 10:03



















34














By refusing the One Ring when Frodo offers it to her, and accepting that her own powers will fade, Galadriel proved herself worthy to return to the Undying Lands.



This is not outright stated, but suggested strongly by Galadriel's own words at that time:




I have passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.




Tolkien says this in his Letter #320:




Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader in the rebellion
against the Valar (the angelic guardians). At the end of the First Age
she proudly refused forgiveness or permission to return. She was
pardoned because of her resistance to the final and overwhelming
temptation to take the Ring for herself.




However, note that the history of Galadriel underwent several revisions in Tolkien's writings; in some of them (but not the one the Silmarillion is based on), Galadriel is entirely innocent of the Kinslaying and goes to Middle-Earth independant of Feanor and the rest of the Noldor; in those versions she did not need an explicit pardon, but stayed in Middle-Earth because she loved Lothlorien too much to leave.






share|improve this answer


























  • I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:18






  • 1





    @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

    – Michael Borgwardt
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:40






  • 3





    She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:45






  • 4





    @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

    – Michael Borgwardt
    Dec 27 '12 at 15:17











  • Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 15:57



















6














The answer appears in Tolkien's The Road Goes Ever On




"The question Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva? and the question at the
end of her song (Vol. I, p. 389), What ship would bear me ever back
across so wide a Sea?, refer to the special position of Galadriel. She
was the last survivor of the princes and queens who had led the
revolting Noldor to exile in Middle-earth. After the overthrow of
Morgoth at the end of the First Age a ban was set upon her return, and
she had replied proudly that she had no wish to do so. She passed over
the Mountains of Eredluin with her husband Celeborn (one of the
Sindar) and went to Eregion. But it was impossible for one of the
High-Elves to overcome the yearning for the Sea, and the longing to
pass over it again to the land of their former bliss. She was now
burdened with this desire. In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in
reward for all that she had done to oppose him, but above all for her
rejection of the Ring when it came within her power, the ban was
lifted, and she returned over the Sea, as is told at the end of The
Lord of the Rings."



JRRT, The Road Goes Ever On, 1967




So while a lot of posthumously published material exists about Galadriel, this is the explanation that Tolkien himself chose to reveal to readers, published in 1967.






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    5














    This answer is based on Tolkien more than his fictional characters, but presents the point that in permitting Galadriel to return to the Undying Lands (his fictional construct of Heaven/Paradise) he was sending a message to his readers, a message of forgiveness and redemption.




    In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in reward for all that she had
    done to oppose him, but above all for her rejection of the Ring when
    it came within her power, the ban was lifted, and she returned over
    the Sea, as is told at the end of The Lord of the Rings." (The Road Goes Ever On, 1967)



    "The Exiles were allowed to return - save for a few chief actors in the rebellion of whom at the time of L.R. only Galadriel remained." (a letter also dated 1967)




    Per the citations above, this was Tolkien doing what he said he didn't like doing in his infamous commentary on Allegory versus Applicability. He was either being allegorical, or was very bluntly moralizing as a result of being a life long and devoted Roman Catholic.



    Galadriel is presented as a sinner who has shown that she "rejects the lies of Satan." (baptismal promise, Catholic dogma 101). The forgiveness and redemption of Galadriel is a piece of Christian wish fulfillment. Her sin (along with the other rebellious Noldor) of "turning their backs on the Valar" and by extension Eru the One, Illuvitar, is forgiven in a redemptive act by the active rejection of Sauron (Satan/Evil/Liar). Power for its own sake, which the Ring symbolized, was for Tolkien a great evil.



    Citation




    “We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though
    they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the
    true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by
    myth-making, only by becoming 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can
    Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall.
    Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the
    true harbour, while materialistic 'progress' leads only to a yawning
    abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien




    More on power.




    “But the only measure that he knows is desire for power and so
    he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that
    any will refuse it that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If
    we seek this we shall put him out of reckoning.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien,
    The Fellowship of the Ring




    The Noldor "fell" when they left the undying lands. JRR Tolkien couldn't help himself. Given his outlook on life, his own fantasy was woven into the fantasy conflict resolution of his magnum opus. Forgiveness and Redemption had to come through, in the last, since that was his hope as informed by his lifelong faith.



    It wasn't until I understood JRR Tolkien as a lifelong and devout Catholic that I began to see some of the messages he sent in this story, which I've read over a dozen times. He wasn't very subtle.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Excellent answer.

      – Wad Cheber
      Aug 18 '15 at 23:53



















    3














    Her ban was lifted after she refused the ring, before that she was banned by the Valar for her part in the rebellion, but she actually never took part in the kinslaying, it was just her wish for a own realm to rule that she had to overcome in order to return to Valinor.






    share|improve this answer
























    • What do you base this on?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Jan 1 '13 at 13:46






    • 1





      ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

      – Steffi
      Jan 2 '13 at 22:33






    • 1





      also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

      – Steffi
      Jan 2 '13 at 22:38






    • 1





      These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Jan 3 '13 at 5:42



















    -5














    Pretty much wut Steffi said,



    but to elaborate; Galadriel longed for followers and power, through her wisdom and countless years on middle earth gazing into her mirror, which i believe was somehow entwined with either the simarils or trees of valinor..she deduced that the one ring would only destroy, and she would inevitably come to dominion over nothing. But uhhh yea...Galadriel was extraordinary in power and awe...she was actually Sauron's nemesis and in his discord, he failed to see her.



    overall, the story is incredibly epic and after reading numerous essays on the material, i have come to realize the 2 most important parts of the book are when Galadriel refuses the ring and when Frodo commands with the one ring that if Gollum..(and i say gollum cause Smeagol loves his master) lay hands on him he will himself be cast into the fire...the latter actually uses the commanding power of the ring with outright burning authority to inconceivably force the ring to destroy itself...and with Galadriel..the sheer power that was present from her outstretched hand with the adamant upon it, against and yet with the one ring is a staggering revelation..as she would have been a far more detrimental force then Sauron himself. She whom was in direct assent from the crafter of the rings as well as the simarils..with such high desire for worshippers. she would not of slain Sauron but used him as a tool and forced him to his knees as with all of Middle Earth untill she had the Will and the might to breach Valinor itself..which btw valinor has 2 Palantir an easy and convenient means to fray the fabric. As of Melkor she would of released him and made him a puppet and then caused the great war that would have been Tolkiens masterpiece....i feel actually with all his rewrites of Galadriel that he was actually prolly distraught at how rushed he was to get the material published as he hadto retcon to his his endgame..which ...i feel would of been Galadriel taking the ring and convalescing with a confrontation with Eru.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 3





      I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

      – user8719
      Jun 6 '13 at 9:53






    • 1





      my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

      – Uberbunk
      Jun 17 '13 at 23:01











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    6 Answers
    6






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    6 Answers
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    23














    All was forgiven after the War of Wrath and the Noldor were allowed to return. Actually, all the Elves were strongly urged to return, but some chose to stay in Middle-earth. For them, The Straight Path to Valinor was still available to them for when they chose to leave.



    This is explained in the final page of "Akallabêth" in The Silmarillion.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 9





      Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

      – MadTux
      Mar 11 '13 at 10:03
















    23














    All was forgiven after the War of Wrath and the Noldor were allowed to return. Actually, all the Elves were strongly urged to return, but some chose to stay in Middle-earth. For them, The Straight Path to Valinor was still available to them for when they chose to leave.



    This is explained in the final page of "Akallabêth" in The Silmarillion.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 9





      Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

      – MadTux
      Mar 11 '13 at 10:03














    23












    23








    23







    All was forgiven after the War of Wrath and the Noldor were allowed to return. Actually, all the Elves were strongly urged to return, but some chose to stay in Middle-earth. For them, The Straight Path to Valinor was still available to them for when they chose to leave.



    This is explained in the final page of "Akallabêth" in The Silmarillion.






    share|improve this answer















    All was forgiven after the War of Wrath and the Noldor were allowed to return. Actually, all the Elves were strongly urged to return, but some chose to stay in Middle-earth. For them, The Straight Path to Valinor was still available to them for when they chose to leave.



    This is explained in the final page of "Akallabêth" in The Silmarillion.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Feb 8 '17 at 8:47









    maguirenumber6

    5,30723563




    5,30723563










    answered Dec 27 '12 at 5:10









    WardWard

    8,23434461




    8,23434461








    • 9





      Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

      – MadTux
      Mar 11 '13 at 10:03














    • 9





      Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

      – MadTux
      Mar 11 '13 at 10:03








    9




    9





    Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

    – MadTux
    Mar 11 '13 at 10:03





    Actually, when Galadriel refused, she was banned again, but accepted when she resisted the temptation of the Ring.

    – MadTux
    Mar 11 '13 at 10:03













    34














    By refusing the One Ring when Frodo offers it to her, and accepting that her own powers will fade, Galadriel proved herself worthy to return to the Undying Lands.



    This is not outright stated, but suggested strongly by Galadriel's own words at that time:




    I have passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.




    Tolkien says this in his Letter #320:




    Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader in the rebellion
    against the Valar (the angelic guardians). At the end of the First Age
    she proudly refused forgiveness or permission to return. She was
    pardoned because of her resistance to the final and overwhelming
    temptation to take the Ring for herself.




    However, note that the history of Galadriel underwent several revisions in Tolkien's writings; in some of them (but not the one the Silmarillion is based on), Galadriel is entirely innocent of the Kinslaying and goes to Middle-Earth independant of Feanor and the rest of the Noldor; in those versions she did not need an explicit pardon, but stayed in Middle-Earth because she loved Lothlorien too much to leave.






    share|improve this answer


























    • I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:18






    • 1





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:40






    • 3





      She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:45






    • 4





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:17











    • Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:57
















    34














    By refusing the One Ring when Frodo offers it to her, and accepting that her own powers will fade, Galadriel proved herself worthy to return to the Undying Lands.



    This is not outright stated, but suggested strongly by Galadriel's own words at that time:




    I have passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.




    Tolkien says this in his Letter #320:




    Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader in the rebellion
    against the Valar (the angelic guardians). At the end of the First Age
    she proudly refused forgiveness or permission to return. She was
    pardoned because of her resistance to the final and overwhelming
    temptation to take the Ring for herself.




    However, note that the history of Galadriel underwent several revisions in Tolkien's writings; in some of them (but not the one the Silmarillion is based on), Galadriel is entirely innocent of the Kinslaying and goes to Middle-Earth independant of Feanor and the rest of the Noldor; in those versions she did not need an explicit pardon, but stayed in Middle-Earth because she loved Lothlorien too much to leave.






    share|improve this answer


























    • I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:18






    • 1





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:40






    • 3





      She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:45






    • 4





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:17











    • Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:57














    34












    34








    34







    By refusing the One Ring when Frodo offers it to her, and accepting that her own powers will fade, Galadriel proved herself worthy to return to the Undying Lands.



    This is not outright stated, but suggested strongly by Galadriel's own words at that time:




    I have passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.




    Tolkien says this in his Letter #320:




    Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader in the rebellion
    against the Valar (the angelic guardians). At the end of the First Age
    she proudly refused forgiveness or permission to return. She was
    pardoned because of her resistance to the final and overwhelming
    temptation to take the Ring for herself.




    However, note that the history of Galadriel underwent several revisions in Tolkien's writings; in some of them (but not the one the Silmarillion is based on), Galadriel is entirely innocent of the Kinslaying and goes to Middle-Earth independant of Feanor and the rest of the Noldor; in those versions she did not need an explicit pardon, but stayed in Middle-Earth because she loved Lothlorien too much to leave.






    share|improve this answer















    By refusing the One Ring when Frodo offers it to her, and accepting that her own powers will fade, Galadriel proved herself worthy to return to the Undying Lands.



    This is not outright stated, but suggested strongly by Galadriel's own words at that time:




    I have passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.




    Tolkien says this in his Letter #320:




    Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader in the rebellion
    against the Valar (the angelic guardians). At the end of the First Age
    she proudly refused forgiveness or permission to return. She was
    pardoned because of her resistance to the final and overwhelming
    temptation to take the Ring for herself.




    However, note that the history of Galadriel underwent several revisions in Tolkien's writings; in some of them (but not the one the Silmarillion is based on), Galadriel is entirely innocent of the Kinslaying and goes to Middle-Earth independant of Feanor and the rest of the Noldor; in those versions she did not need an explicit pardon, but stayed in Middle-Earth because she loved Lothlorien too much to leave.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Dec 27 '12 at 15:20

























    answered Dec 27 '12 at 11:53









    Michael BorgwardtMichael Borgwardt

    15.3k25581




    15.3k25581













    • I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:18






    • 1





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:40






    • 3





      She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:45






    • 4





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:17











    • Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:57



















    • I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:18






    • 1





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:40






    • 3





      She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 14:45






    • 4





      @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

      – Michael Borgwardt
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:17











    • Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

      – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
      Dec 27 '12 at 15:57

















    I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:18





    I think that's misinterpreting her words. Going into the west was always an option, as Ward states in his answer. Other elves have gone on to the west before Galadriel, and others (like her husband Celeborn) went after her.

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:18




    1




    1





    @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

    – Michael Borgwardt
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:40





    @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: I believe Ward's statement is wrong, but I'll have to wait till I'm back with my copy of the Silmarillion to confirm. In either case, how else would you interpret "I have passed the test", then?

    – Michael Borgwardt
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:40




    3




    3





    She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:45





    She was tested - not by some cosmic test that determines her ability to return West, but just a test of temptation when Frodo offers her the ring. How would you account for every other elf out there returning West through the Grey Havens?

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 14:45




    4




    4





    @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

    – Michael Borgwardt
    Dec 27 '12 at 15:17





    @Avner Shahar-Kashtan: Every other elf was not a leader of the Noldor when they defied the will of the Valar and commited the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.

    – Michael Borgwardt
    Dec 27 '12 at 15:17













    Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 15:57





    Good point. But see this quote from the very end of "Of The Rings of Power and The Third Age": > "In that time the last of the Noldor set sail from the Havens and left Middle-earth for ever". It implied that all the remaining Noldor, not only Galadriel, left West. Was her test a sort of redemption for all of them?

    – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
    Dec 27 '12 at 15:57











    6














    The answer appears in Tolkien's The Road Goes Ever On




    "The question Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva? and the question at the
    end of her song (Vol. I, p. 389), What ship would bear me ever back
    across so wide a Sea?, refer to the special position of Galadriel. She
    was the last survivor of the princes and queens who had led the
    revolting Noldor to exile in Middle-earth. After the overthrow of
    Morgoth at the end of the First Age a ban was set upon her return, and
    she had replied proudly that she had no wish to do so. She passed over
    the Mountains of Eredluin with her husband Celeborn (one of the
    Sindar) and went to Eregion. But it was impossible for one of the
    High-Elves to overcome the yearning for the Sea, and the longing to
    pass over it again to the land of their former bliss. She was now
    burdened with this desire. In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in
    reward for all that she had done to oppose him, but above all for her
    rejection of the Ring when it came within her power, the ban was
    lifted, and she returned over the Sea, as is told at the end of The
    Lord of the Rings."



    JRRT, The Road Goes Ever On, 1967




    So while a lot of posthumously published material exists about Galadriel, this is the explanation that Tolkien himself chose to reveal to readers, published in 1967.






    share|improve this answer






























      6














      The answer appears in Tolkien's The Road Goes Ever On




      "The question Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva? and the question at the
      end of her song (Vol. I, p. 389), What ship would bear me ever back
      across so wide a Sea?, refer to the special position of Galadriel. She
      was the last survivor of the princes and queens who had led the
      revolting Noldor to exile in Middle-earth. After the overthrow of
      Morgoth at the end of the First Age a ban was set upon her return, and
      she had replied proudly that she had no wish to do so. She passed over
      the Mountains of Eredluin with her husband Celeborn (one of the
      Sindar) and went to Eregion. But it was impossible for one of the
      High-Elves to overcome the yearning for the Sea, and the longing to
      pass over it again to the land of their former bliss. She was now
      burdened with this desire. In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in
      reward for all that she had done to oppose him, but above all for her
      rejection of the Ring when it came within her power, the ban was
      lifted, and she returned over the Sea, as is told at the end of The
      Lord of the Rings."



      JRRT, The Road Goes Ever On, 1967




      So while a lot of posthumously published material exists about Galadriel, this is the explanation that Tolkien himself chose to reveal to readers, published in 1967.






      share|improve this answer




























        6












        6








        6







        The answer appears in Tolkien's The Road Goes Ever On




        "The question Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva? and the question at the
        end of her song (Vol. I, p. 389), What ship would bear me ever back
        across so wide a Sea?, refer to the special position of Galadriel. She
        was the last survivor of the princes and queens who had led the
        revolting Noldor to exile in Middle-earth. After the overthrow of
        Morgoth at the end of the First Age a ban was set upon her return, and
        she had replied proudly that she had no wish to do so. She passed over
        the Mountains of Eredluin with her husband Celeborn (one of the
        Sindar) and went to Eregion. But it was impossible for one of the
        High-Elves to overcome the yearning for the Sea, and the longing to
        pass over it again to the land of their former bliss. She was now
        burdened with this desire. In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in
        reward for all that she had done to oppose him, but above all for her
        rejection of the Ring when it came within her power, the ban was
        lifted, and she returned over the Sea, as is told at the end of The
        Lord of the Rings."



        JRRT, The Road Goes Ever On, 1967




        So while a lot of posthumously published material exists about Galadriel, this is the explanation that Tolkien himself chose to reveal to readers, published in 1967.






        share|improve this answer















        The answer appears in Tolkien's The Road Goes Ever On




        "The question Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva? and the question at the
        end of her song (Vol. I, p. 389), What ship would bear me ever back
        across so wide a Sea?, refer to the special position of Galadriel. She
        was the last survivor of the princes and queens who had led the
        revolting Noldor to exile in Middle-earth. After the overthrow of
        Morgoth at the end of the First Age a ban was set upon her return, and
        she had replied proudly that she had no wish to do so. She passed over
        the Mountains of Eredluin with her husband Celeborn (one of the
        Sindar) and went to Eregion. But it was impossible for one of the
        High-Elves to overcome the yearning for the Sea, and the longing to
        pass over it again to the land of their former bliss. She was now
        burdened with this desire. In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in
        reward for all that she had done to oppose him, but above all for her
        rejection of the Ring when it came within her power, the ban was
        lifted, and she returned over the Sea, as is told at the end of The
        Lord of the Rings."



        JRRT, The Road Goes Ever On, 1967




        So while a lot of posthumously published material exists about Galadriel, this is the explanation that Tolkien himself chose to reveal to readers, published in 1967.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Aug 19 '15 at 19:26

























        answered Aug 18 '15 at 22:58









        ElthirElthir

        9912




        9912























            5














            This answer is based on Tolkien more than his fictional characters, but presents the point that in permitting Galadriel to return to the Undying Lands (his fictional construct of Heaven/Paradise) he was sending a message to his readers, a message of forgiveness and redemption.




            In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in reward for all that she had
            done to oppose him, but above all for her rejection of the Ring when
            it came within her power, the ban was lifted, and she returned over
            the Sea, as is told at the end of The Lord of the Rings." (The Road Goes Ever On, 1967)



            "The Exiles were allowed to return - save for a few chief actors in the rebellion of whom at the time of L.R. only Galadriel remained." (a letter also dated 1967)




            Per the citations above, this was Tolkien doing what he said he didn't like doing in his infamous commentary on Allegory versus Applicability. He was either being allegorical, or was very bluntly moralizing as a result of being a life long and devoted Roman Catholic.



            Galadriel is presented as a sinner who has shown that she "rejects the lies of Satan." (baptismal promise, Catholic dogma 101). The forgiveness and redemption of Galadriel is a piece of Christian wish fulfillment. Her sin (along with the other rebellious Noldor) of "turning their backs on the Valar" and by extension Eru the One, Illuvitar, is forgiven in a redemptive act by the active rejection of Sauron (Satan/Evil/Liar). Power for its own sake, which the Ring symbolized, was for Tolkien a great evil.



            Citation




            “We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though
            they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the
            true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by
            myth-making, only by becoming 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can
            Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall.
            Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the
            true harbour, while materialistic 'progress' leads only to a yawning
            abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien




            More on power.




            “But the only measure that he knows is desire for power and so
            he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that
            any will refuse it that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If
            we seek this we shall put him out of reckoning.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien,
            The Fellowship of the Ring




            The Noldor "fell" when they left the undying lands. JRR Tolkien couldn't help himself. Given his outlook on life, his own fantasy was woven into the fantasy conflict resolution of his magnum opus. Forgiveness and Redemption had to come through, in the last, since that was his hope as informed by his lifelong faith.



            It wasn't until I understood JRR Tolkien as a lifelong and devout Catholic that I began to see some of the messages he sent in this story, which I've read over a dozen times. He wasn't very subtle.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Excellent answer.

              – Wad Cheber
              Aug 18 '15 at 23:53
















            5














            This answer is based on Tolkien more than his fictional characters, but presents the point that in permitting Galadriel to return to the Undying Lands (his fictional construct of Heaven/Paradise) he was sending a message to his readers, a message of forgiveness and redemption.




            In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in reward for all that she had
            done to oppose him, but above all for her rejection of the Ring when
            it came within her power, the ban was lifted, and she returned over
            the Sea, as is told at the end of The Lord of the Rings." (The Road Goes Ever On, 1967)



            "The Exiles were allowed to return - save for a few chief actors in the rebellion of whom at the time of L.R. only Galadriel remained." (a letter also dated 1967)




            Per the citations above, this was Tolkien doing what he said he didn't like doing in his infamous commentary on Allegory versus Applicability. He was either being allegorical, or was very bluntly moralizing as a result of being a life long and devoted Roman Catholic.



            Galadriel is presented as a sinner who has shown that she "rejects the lies of Satan." (baptismal promise, Catholic dogma 101). The forgiveness and redemption of Galadriel is a piece of Christian wish fulfillment. Her sin (along with the other rebellious Noldor) of "turning their backs on the Valar" and by extension Eru the One, Illuvitar, is forgiven in a redemptive act by the active rejection of Sauron (Satan/Evil/Liar). Power for its own sake, which the Ring symbolized, was for Tolkien a great evil.



            Citation




            “We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though
            they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the
            true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by
            myth-making, only by becoming 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can
            Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall.
            Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the
            true harbour, while materialistic 'progress' leads only to a yawning
            abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien




            More on power.




            “But the only measure that he knows is desire for power and so
            he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that
            any will refuse it that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If
            we seek this we shall put him out of reckoning.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien,
            The Fellowship of the Ring




            The Noldor "fell" when they left the undying lands. JRR Tolkien couldn't help himself. Given his outlook on life, his own fantasy was woven into the fantasy conflict resolution of his magnum opus. Forgiveness and Redemption had to come through, in the last, since that was his hope as informed by his lifelong faith.



            It wasn't until I understood JRR Tolkien as a lifelong and devout Catholic that I began to see some of the messages he sent in this story, which I've read over a dozen times. He wasn't very subtle.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Excellent answer.

              – Wad Cheber
              Aug 18 '15 at 23:53














            5












            5








            5







            This answer is based on Tolkien more than his fictional characters, but presents the point that in permitting Galadriel to return to the Undying Lands (his fictional construct of Heaven/Paradise) he was sending a message to his readers, a message of forgiveness and redemption.




            In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in reward for all that she had
            done to oppose him, but above all for her rejection of the Ring when
            it came within her power, the ban was lifted, and she returned over
            the Sea, as is told at the end of The Lord of the Rings." (The Road Goes Ever On, 1967)



            "The Exiles were allowed to return - save for a few chief actors in the rebellion of whom at the time of L.R. only Galadriel remained." (a letter also dated 1967)




            Per the citations above, this was Tolkien doing what he said he didn't like doing in his infamous commentary on Allegory versus Applicability. He was either being allegorical, or was very bluntly moralizing as a result of being a life long and devoted Roman Catholic.



            Galadriel is presented as a sinner who has shown that she "rejects the lies of Satan." (baptismal promise, Catholic dogma 101). The forgiveness and redemption of Galadriel is a piece of Christian wish fulfillment. Her sin (along with the other rebellious Noldor) of "turning their backs on the Valar" and by extension Eru the One, Illuvitar, is forgiven in a redemptive act by the active rejection of Sauron (Satan/Evil/Liar). Power for its own sake, which the Ring symbolized, was for Tolkien a great evil.



            Citation




            “We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though
            they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the
            true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by
            myth-making, only by becoming 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can
            Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall.
            Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the
            true harbour, while materialistic 'progress' leads only to a yawning
            abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien




            More on power.




            “But the only measure that he knows is desire for power and so
            he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that
            any will refuse it that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If
            we seek this we shall put him out of reckoning.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien,
            The Fellowship of the Ring




            The Noldor "fell" when they left the undying lands. JRR Tolkien couldn't help himself. Given his outlook on life, his own fantasy was woven into the fantasy conflict resolution of his magnum opus. Forgiveness and Redemption had to come through, in the last, since that was his hope as informed by his lifelong faith.



            It wasn't until I understood JRR Tolkien as a lifelong and devout Catholic that I began to see some of the messages he sent in this story, which I've read over a dozen times. He wasn't very subtle.






            share|improve this answer















            This answer is based on Tolkien more than his fictional characters, but presents the point that in permitting Galadriel to return to the Undying Lands (his fictional construct of Heaven/Paradise) he was sending a message to his readers, a message of forgiveness and redemption.




            In the event, after the fall of Sauron, in reward for all that she had
            done to oppose him, but above all for her rejection of the Ring when
            it came within her power, the ban was lifted, and she returned over
            the Sea, as is told at the end of The Lord of the Rings." (The Road Goes Ever On, 1967)



            "The Exiles were allowed to return - save for a few chief actors in the rebellion of whom at the time of L.R. only Galadriel remained." (a letter also dated 1967)




            Per the citations above, this was Tolkien doing what he said he didn't like doing in his infamous commentary on Allegory versus Applicability. He was either being allegorical, or was very bluntly moralizing as a result of being a life long and devoted Roman Catholic.



            Galadriel is presented as a sinner who has shown that she "rejects the lies of Satan." (baptismal promise, Catholic dogma 101). The forgiveness and redemption of Galadriel is a piece of Christian wish fulfillment. Her sin (along with the other rebellious Noldor) of "turning their backs on the Valar" and by extension Eru the One, Illuvitar, is forgiven in a redemptive act by the active rejection of Sauron (Satan/Evil/Liar). Power for its own sake, which the Ring symbolized, was for Tolkien a great evil.



            Citation




            “We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though
            they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the
            true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by
            myth-making, only by becoming 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can
            Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall.
            Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the
            true harbour, while materialistic 'progress' leads only to a yawning
            abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien




            More on power.




            “But the only measure that he knows is desire for power and so
            he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that
            any will refuse it that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If
            we seek this we shall put him out of reckoning.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien,
            The Fellowship of the Ring




            The Noldor "fell" when they left the undying lands. JRR Tolkien couldn't help himself. Given his outlook on life, his own fantasy was woven into the fantasy conflict resolution of his magnum opus. Forgiveness and Redemption had to come through, in the last, since that was his hope as informed by his lifelong faith.



            It wasn't until I understood JRR Tolkien as a lifelong and devout Catholic that I began to see some of the messages he sent in this story, which I've read over a dozen times. He wasn't very subtle.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited 15 mins ago

























            answered Aug 18 '15 at 23:23









            KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast

            3,07011225




            3,07011225













            • Excellent answer.

              – Wad Cheber
              Aug 18 '15 at 23:53



















            • Excellent answer.

              – Wad Cheber
              Aug 18 '15 at 23:53

















            Excellent answer.

            – Wad Cheber
            Aug 18 '15 at 23:53





            Excellent answer.

            – Wad Cheber
            Aug 18 '15 at 23:53











            3














            Her ban was lifted after she refused the ring, before that she was banned by the Valar for her part in the rebellion, but she actually never took part in the kinslaying, it was just her wish for a own realm to rule that she had to overcome in order to return to Valinor.






            share|improve this answer
























            • What do you base this on?

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 1 '13 at 13:46






            • 1





              ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:33






            • 1





              also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:38






            • 1





              These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 3 '13 at 5:42
















            3














            Her ban was lifted after she refused the ring, before that she was banned by the Valar for her part in the rebellion, but she actually never took part in the kinslaying, it was just her wish for a own realm to rule that she had to overcome in order to return to Valinor.






            share|improve this answer
























            • What do you base this on?

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 1 '13 at 13:46






            • 1





              ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:33






            • 1





              also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:38






            • 1





              These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 3 '13 at 5:42














            3












            3








            3







            Her ban was lifted after she refused the ring, before that she was banned by the Valar for her part in the rebellion, but she actually never took part in the kinslaying, it was just her wish for a own realm to rule that she had to overcome in order to return to Valinor.






            share|improve this answer













            Her ban was lifted after she refused the ring, before that she was banned by the Valar for her part in the rebellion, but she actually never took part in the kinslaying, it was just her wish for a own realm to rule that she had to overcome in order to return to Valinor.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Jan 1 '13 at 13:33









            SteffiSteffi

            562145




            562145













            • What do you base this on?

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 1 '13 at 13:46






            • 1





              ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:33






            • 1





              also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:38






            • 1





              These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 3 '13 at 5:42



















            • What do you base this on?

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 1 '13 at 13:46






            • 1





              ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:33






            • 1





              also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

              – Steffi
              Jan 2 '13 at 22:38






            • 1





              These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

              – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
              Jan 3 '13 at 5:42

















            What do you base this on?

            – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
            Jan 1 '13 at 13:46





            What do you base this on?

            – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
            Jan 1 '13 at 13:46




            1




            1





            ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

            – Steffi
            Jan 2 '13 at 22:33





            ...but also her personal ban was lifted, in reward for her services against Sauron, and above all for her rejection of the temptation to take the Ring when offered to her. So at the end we see her taking ship. -297, August 1967

            – Steffi
            Jan 2 '13 at 22:33




            1




            1





            also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

            – Steffi
            Jan 2 '13 at 22:38





            also that: the Farewell was addressed direct to Frodo, and was an extempore outpouring in free rhythmic style, reflecting the overwhelming increase in her regret and longing, and her personal despair after she had survived the terrible temptation. [...] In the event it proved that it was Galadriel's abnegation of pride and trust in her own powers, and her absolute refusal of any unlawful enhancement of them, that provided the ship to bear her back to her home. (HME 12:320-21, n.15 to p.299)

            – Steffi
            Jan 2 '13 at 22:38




            1




            1





            These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

            – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
            Jan 3 '13 at 5:42





            These are good quotes. They should be part of the answer itself, not in the comments.

            – Avner Shahar-Kashtan
            Jan 3 '13 at 5:42











            -5














            Pretty much wut Steffi said,



            but to elaborate; Galadriel longed for followers and power, through her wisdom and countless years on middle earth gazing into her mirror, which i believe was somehow entwined with either the simarils or trees of valinor..she deduced that the one ring would only destroy, and she would inevitably come to dominion over nothing. But uhhh yea...Galadriel was extraordinary in power and awe...she was actually Sauron's nemesis and in his discord, he failed to see her.



            overall, the story is incredibly epic and after reading numerous essays on the material, i have come to realize the 2 most important parts of the book are when Galadriel refuses the ring and when Frodo commands with the one ring that if Gollum..(and i say gollum cause Smeagol loves his master) lay hands on him he will himself be cast into the fire...the latter actually uses the commanding power of the ring with outright burning authority to inconceivably force the ring to destroy itself...and with Galadriel..the sheer power that was present from her outstretched hand with the adamant upon it, against and yet with the one ring is a staggering revelation..as she would have been a far more detrimental force then Sauron himself. She whom was in direct assent from the crafter of the rings as well as the simarils..with such high desire for worshippers. she would not of slain Sauron but used him as a tool and forced him to his knees as with all of Middle Earth untill she had the Will and the might to breach Valinor itself..which btw valinor has 2 Palantir an easy and convenient means to fray the fabric. As of Melkor she would of released him and made him a puppet and then caused the great war that would have been Tolkiens masterpiece....i feel actually with all his rewrites of Galadriel that he was actually prolly distraught at how rushed he was to get the material published as he hadto retcon to his his endgame..which ...i feel would of been Galadriel taking the ring and convalescing with a confrontation with Eru.






            share|improve this answer





















            • 3





              I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

              – user8719
              Jun 6 '13 at 9:53






            • 1





              my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

              – Uberbunk
              Jun 17 '13 at 23:01
















            -5














            Pretty much wut Steffi said,



            but to elaborate; Galadriel longed for followers and power, through her wisdom and countless years on middle earth gazing into her mirror, which i believe was somehow entwined with either the simarils or trees of valinor..she deduced that the one ring would only destroy, and she would inevitably come to dominion over nothing. But uhhh yea...Galadriel was extraordinary in power and awe...she was actually Sauron's nemesis and in his discord, he failed to see her.



            overall, the story is incredibly epic and after reading numerous essays on the material, i have come to realize the 2 most important parts of the book are when Galadriel refuses the ring and when Frodo commands with the one ring that if Gollum..(and i say gollum cause Smeagol loves his master) lay hands on him he will himself be cast into the fire...the latter actually uses the commanding power of the ring with outright burning authority to inconceivably force the ring to destroy itself...and with Galadriel..the sheer power that was present from her outstretched hand with the adamant upon it, against and yet with the one ring is a staggering revelation..as she would have been a far more detrimental force then Sauron himself. She whom was in direct assent from the crafter of the rings as well as the simarils..with such high desire for worshippers. she would not of slain Sauron but used him as a tool and forced him to his knees as with all of Middle Earth untill she had the Will and the might to breach Valinor itself..which btw valinor has 2 Palantir an easy and convenient means to fray the fabric. As of Melkor she would of released him and made him a puppet and then caused the great war that would have been Tolkiens masterpiece....i feel actually with all his rewrites of Galadriel that he was actually prolly distraught at how rushed he was to get the material published as he hadto retcon to his his endgame..which ...i feel would of been Galadriel taking the ring and convalescing with a confrontation with Eru.






            share|improve this answer





















            • 3





              I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

              – user8719
              Jun 6 '13 at 9:53






            • 1





              my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

              – Uberbunk
              Jun 17 '13 at 23:01














            -5












            -5








            -5







            Pretty much wut Steffi said,



            but to elaborate; Galadriel longed for followers and power, through her wisdom and countless years on middle earth gazing into her mirror, which i believe was somehow entwined with either the simarils or trees of valinor..she deduced that the one ring would only destroy, and she would inevitably come to dominion over nothing. But uhhh yea...Galadriel was extraordinary in power and awe...she was actually Sauron's nemesis and in his discord, he failed to see her.



            overall, the story is incredibly epic and after reading numerous essays on the material, i have come to realize the 2 most important parts of the book are when Galadriel refuses the ring and when Frodo commands with the one ring that if Gollum..(and i say gollum cause Smeagol loves his master) lay hands on him he will himself be cast into the fire...the latter actually uses the commanding power of the ring with outright burning authority to inconceivably force the ring to destroy itself...and with Galadriel..the sheer power that was present from her outstretched hand with the adamant upon it, against and yet with the one ring is a staggering revelation..as she would have been a far more detrimental force then Sauron himself. She whom was in direct assent from the crafter of the rings as well as the simarils..with such high desire for worshippers. she would not of slain Sauron but used him as a tool and forced him to his knees as with all of Middle Earth untill she had the Will and the might to breach Valinor itself..which btw valinor has 2 Palantir an easy and convenient means to fray the fabric. As of Melkor she would of released him and made him a puppet and then caused the great war that would have been Tolkiens masterpiece....i feel actually with all his rewrites of Galadriel that he was actually prolly distraught at how rushed he was to get the material published as he hadto retcon to his his endgame..which ...i feel would of been Galadriel taking the ring and convalescing with a confrontation with Eru.






            share|improve this answer















            Pretty much wut Steffi said,



            but to elaborate; Galadriel longed for followers and power, through her wisdom and countless years on middle earth gazing into her mirror, which i believe was somehow entwined with either the simarils or trees of valinor..she deduced that the one ring would only destroy, and she would inevitably come to dominion over nothing. But uhhh yea...Galadriel was extraordinary in power and awe...she was actually Sauron's nemesis and in his discord, he failed to see her.



            overall, the story is incredibly epic and after reading numerous essays on the material, i have come to realize the 2 most important parts of the book are when Galadriel refuses the ring and when Frodo commands with the one ring that if Gollum..(and i say gollum cause Smeagol loves his master) lay hands on him he will himself be cast into the fire...the latter actually uses the commanding power of the ring with outright burning authority to inconceivably force the ring to destroy itself...and with Galadriel..the sheer power that was present from her outstretched hand with the adamant upon it, against and yet with the one ring is a staggering revelation..as she would have been a far more detrimental force then Sauron himself. She whom was in direct assent from the crafter of the rings as well as the simarils..with such high desire for worshippers. she would not of slain Sauron but used him as a tool and forced him to his knees as with all of Middle Earth untill she had the Will and the might to breach Valinor itself..which btw valinor has 2 Palantir an easy and convenient means to fray the fabric. As of Melkor she would of released him and made him a puppet and then caused the great war that would have been Tolkiens masterpiece....i feel actually with all his rewrites of Galadriel that he was actually prolly distraught at how rushed he was to get the material published as he hadto retcon to his his endgame..which ...i feel would of been Galadriel taking the ring and convalescing with a confrontation with Eru.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Jun 6 '13 at 9:53







            user8719

















            answered Jun 6 '13 at 7:30









            UberbunkUberbunk

            1




            1








            • 3





              I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

              – user8719
              Jun 6 '13 at 9:53






            • 1





              my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

              – Uberbunk
              Jun 17 '13 at 23:01














            • 3





              I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

              – user8719
              Jun 6 '13 at 9:53






            • 1





              my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

              – Uberbunk
              Jun 17 '13 at 23:01








            3




            3





            I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

            – user8719
            Jun 6 '13 at 9:53





            I tried editing this to add paragraphs but gave up after the first. @Uberbunk - could you split this into paragraphs better, please?

            – user8719
            Jun 6 '13 at 9:53




            1




            1





            my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

            – Uberbunk
            Jun 17 '13 at 23:01





            my mind wasnt built for paragraphs

            – Uberbunk
            Jun 17 '13 at 23:01


















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