It's been a while since we've read about the Elessar, so go here if you need to brush up. "In ages after there was again an Elessar, and of this two things are said, though which is true only those Wise could say who are now gone" (p. 249, Unfinished Tales) Before I recount the stories I must make a confession. I much prefer the first story and it seems to fit in the Third Age sometime shortly after the Wizards first appeared (or so I deem). The second story seems to fit much better in the Second Age circa 1500-1600 before the Rings of Power were made. In the end I'm a big Gandalf fan which is why I prefer the first tale but I am not counted among the Wise.
"For some say that the second was indeed only the first returned, by the grace of the Valar; and that Olorin (who was known in Middle-earth as Mithrandir) brought it with him out of the West" (p. 249, Unfinished Tales). It is said that Olorin came to Galadriel who was feeling the burden of years in Middle-earth, but not yet wanting to leave and, as it seems, not yet permitted to leave. For she was of the Noldor that originally rebelled in Valinor and did not return after the destruction of Morgoth. Olorin brought her tidings of her kin and she shared her burdens with him lamenting the fading and dying of all growing things around her. Olorin confirmed that is the fate of Middle-earth (kind of like our world, right? beauty does not last long it seems) but offered her hope in the Elessar.
Galadriel thought the jewel destroyed and did not see how it could return. "'For surely the Valar are now removed and Middle-earth is far from their thought, and all who cling to it are under a shadow.' 'It is not so,' said Olorin. 'Their eyes are not dimmed nor their hearts hardened. In token of which look upon this!' And he held before her the Elessar, and she looked upon it and wondered. Olorin said: 'This I bring to you from Yavanna'" (p. 250, Unfinished Tales). I love this interaction between Gandalf and Galadriel. It's easy to not see the good or God at work around you. Sometimes you need someone to come along side and help you see a proper perspective. The Valar have not hardened their hearts; they are still working for the good of Middle-earth; take heart. Gandalf told Galadriel she was but a steward of the Elessar for a time would come, before she would leave Middle-earth, one would come bearing the same name as the jewel to claim it. That is the first tale of the return of the Elessar.
The second tale is somewhat similar although the dialogue takes place between Galadriel and Celebrimbor, who made the Rings of Power for Sauron being deceived by him. Galadriel being weary of the burdens of Middle-earth lamented it's death and demise. Celebrimbor asked if Galadriel would pass over the Sea but she declined. "'Of Finarfin's children I am the last. But my heart is still proud. What wrong did the golden house of Finarfin do that I should ask the pardon of the Valar, or be content with an isle in the sea whose native land was Aman the Blessed? Here I am mightier'" (p. 250, Unfinished Tales). I do appreciate this addition of the dialogue as Galadriel, in the First Age, was often described as proud and you can really see it here.
In turn they discuss the Elessar that left with Eärendil when he sought pardon from the Valar and aid against Morgoth long ago. Galadriel missed that beautiful jewel from long ago. Celebrimbor responded, "'But you know that I love you (though you turned to Celeborn of the Trees), and for that love I will do what I can, if haply by my art your grief can be lessened'" (p. 250-251, Unfinished Tales). Celebrimbor remade the Elessar. Beautiful it was but not as mighty as the first since the shadow of Morgoth lay on the land. "Wielding the Elessar all things grew fair about Galadriel, until the coming of the Shadow to the forest'" (p. 251, Unfinished Tales). This jewel was not under the dominion of the One Ring for it was made before. Even so, once Galadriel became a guardian of one of the Three Rings she saw no need for the Elessar and gave it to her daughter Celebrian who in turn gave it to Arwen.
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, circa 1000-1025 (or Second Age circa 1500)
Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, pages 249-251
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