Eärendil Before the Valar

Happy Tolkien Reading Day to all!

Without hope (their people destroyed and their sons captive) Eärendil set sail once again, with Elwing, to plead for pardon before the Valar. With the Silmaril upon his brow they were led, some said by the Jewel, to the undying shores. And Eärendil became the first Man to set foot on those holy shores. He bade his wife and companions to stay on the ship fearing the wrath of the Valar for whoever stepped ashore but Elwing would not be parted. He would not permit her to leave the shores so there she waited with the Teleri, her kin.

Eärendil ventured into the land; all was quiet and he was troubled. For he came at a time of festival as did Morgoth and Ungoliant in ages past. And he was greeted by Eönwë, herald of Manwë: "'Hail Eärendil, of mariners most renown, the looked for that cometh at unawares, the longed for that cometh beyond hope! Hail Eërendil, bearer of the light before the Sun and Moon! Splendour of the Children of Earth, star in darkness, jewel in the sunset, radiant in the morning!'" (p. 248-249, The Silmarillion). Ulmo was summoned and Eärendil was brought before all the Valar to ask for both pardon and pity on behalf of Men and Elves.

After giving his message Eärendil was permitted to find Elwing while the Valar counselled. Mandos was concerned with a mortal man stepping foot on the Undying Shores. Ulmo responded: "'For this he was born into the world. And say unto me: whether he is Eärendil Tuor's son of the line of Hador, or the son of Idril, Turgon's daughter, of the Elven-house of Finwë?'" (p. 249, The Silmarillion). At last Manwë decided wrath would not fall upon Eärendil and Elwing for their actions because their motive was the love of their people and each other. And this choice he would give to Eärendil, Elwing, and their two sons: They could decide by what fate they will be judged: Elves or Men since they came from both lines.

Eärendil allowed Elwing to choose and she chose Elven fate. Eärendil, though weary of the world followed suit. Their sailing companions, Falathar, Erellont, and Aerandir, were taken back to Middle-earth for they did not step foot on the shores. But Eärendil's great ship was hallowed in Valinor and Eärendil was allowed to sail, even unto the starless voids beyond Arda. Elwing was built a tower for she did not go on those journeys. There she made friends with birds, whom she had once taken a likeness to and learned to fly. And has her husband returned to Valinor after a journey she would fly up to meet him.

And Eärendil in his bright vessel with the Silmaril upon his brow was seen from afar as a star bright and pure, "...the people of Middle-earth beheld it from afar and wondered, and they took it for a sign, and called it Gil-Estel, the Star of High Hope" (p. 250, The Silmarillion). Maglor and Maedhros recognized it as a Silmaril of their father and were glad that its glory would be viewed by many. And while the Elves gained hope Morgoth was thrown into doubt.

Meanwhile the Valar prepared for battle. Elves who had not departed from the shores of Valinor prepared to go as led by Ingwë and Finarfin, son of Finwë. The Teleri were not eager to go to war because of the Kin-slaying but they agreed to sail the host to the shores of Middle-earth. And Morgoth thought the Valar would not attack thinking they had shut their hearts to Middle-earth and were estranged from the people there.

Great stuff! First I like that Earendil, being of both Elven and Men lineage was the one to deliver the message. A very interesting parallel as I reflect on this Easter season. For Christ was both Man and God which is why he is the mediator between humanity and divinity. Second, I love that Ulmo talks about for this purpose Earendil was born into the world. Reminiscent of the Biblical story of Esther. And in the mundane life that we often live it's hard to have faith that we have been put on this earth for a time such as this. Thirdly, I love not only the mercy of the Valar but the grace: Eärendil and Elwing were not only spared (mercy) but allowed to choose their fate and flourish in Valinor (grace). And the Star of High Hope will go on through the Ages. And finally I love that after many bleak years in Middle-earth hope is arising. The Valar are mustering and sailing to invade Morgoth's kingdom.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 540-545

Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, 247-251