Over the Holiday break, I started rewatching the LOTR movies. (Haven't quite finished yet). A question occurred to me, that is not answered in the movies, but I thought maybe there was an answer in the books (or Tolkein's other writings).
One of the plot points, in the movies, is that the Elves are leaving the world to take ships to an island and will never be able to return. The implication is that the Elves who make this journey, will be close to immortal and live on in some type of utopia. But, if they stay behind, they will lose their chance, and will have to live in the world of men. They will age much more slowly, but will eventually die. There is a lot of discussion about Arwyn debating between going with her people or staying behind due to her love for Aragorn. She is on her way to catch her ship when she decides to turn around and go back. This upsets Elrond, as she has apparently missed her chance to go to the "undying lands". I'm not sure about Elrond, but the suggestion is that he is going to take a later ship, as he is in no rush to make it to a ship, and he makes it clear to Arwyn that she is choosing Aragorn over her love for him (Elrond).
Here are my questions...
1). Why couldn't Arwyn just delay a while and catch a later ship?
2). After she makes her decision, Elrond tells Aragorn that she is dying and her fate is now tied to the fate of the Ring of Power. Does this just apply to her, or does it apply to all Elves who do not go to the Undying Lands? Does it apply to Elrond? Is he just using Arwyn as an example because he knows Aragorn loves her and he is trying to manipulate Aragorn into sitting on the throne of Gondor?
3). Why is there no discussion of Legolas taking a ship (or giving up his chance to take a ship) to the Undying Lands?
One of the plot points, in the movies, is that the Elves are leaving the world to take ships to an island and will never be able to return. The implication is that the Elves who make this journey, will be close to immortal and live on in some type of utopia. But, if they stay behind, they will lose their chance, and will have to live in the world of men. They will age much more slowly, but will eventually die. There is a lot of discussion about Arwyn debating between going with her people or staying behind due to her love for Aragorn. She is on her way to catch her ship when she decides to turn around and go back. This upsets Elrond, as she has apparently missed her chance to go to the "undying lands". I'm not sure about Elrond, but the suggestion is that he is going to take a later ship, as he is in no rush to make it to a ship, and he makes it clear to Arwyn that she is choosing Aragorn over her love for him (Elrond).
Here are my questions...
1). Why couldn't Arwyn just delay a while and catch a later ship?
2). After she makes her decision, Elrond tells Aragorn that she is dying and her fate is now tied to the fate of the Ring of Power. Does this just apply to her, or does it apply to all Elves who do not go to the Undying Lands? Does it apply to Elrond? Is he just using Arwyn as an example because he knows Aragorn loves her and he is trying to manipulate Aragorn into sitting on the throne of Gondor?
3). Why is there no discussion of Legolas taking a ship (or giving up his chance to take a ship) to the Undying Lands?