Sil Study Ch 12

[Androga Erindalant]

Sil Ch12: Of Men

The Valar lived in peace, and Beleriand became green and beautiful. The Humans awoke at the first light of the Sun; in Hildórien in the east. But as the Sun first rose in the west, Men mainly travelled in that direction. On their journey they met Dark Elves and made friendship with them. It is also known that they allied to the Sindar and Noldor when the great wars came and in which their forefathers gained their fame. No Valar however came to guide them, and Men had always feared them.

The Elves and Men were equal in size and strength of body, but the Elves had greater wisdom, skill and beauty. Humans were weaker and died easier. Yet, the Elves did not know where the human spirits went to after they died. They believe they went to a different part in the Halls of Mandos, yet their fate wasn’t in the hands of the Valar. In later times Elves and Men drifted apart, but in the early days the greatest of Men learned wisdom of Elves and shared their fate.

[Androga Erindalant]

This chapter is very short, yet it allows us to have a closer look at the Second Race of the Children of Ilúvatar.

Questions:
What are the differences between Elves and Men, according to Tolkien, other authors / folklore, and your own vision?

Where do the Human spirits go after they died?

Both Elves and Men appeared somewhere in the East. Both races were drawn by some form of light to the West. What is it about the West? Is there a significance? Any comparisons with our world?

[Desi Baggins]

Tolkien's main difference is the fact that Elves don't die and Men do. Elves are always portrayed as special creatures.

I am not sure if Tolkien makes a comment about where the Human spirit goes. I always assumed my own beliefs as a catholic to the Humans.

Even when America was discovered people were still going West to discover new territories. When I think of the West I think of the Wild West.