The Destiny and Significance of Tol Eressea in Tolkiens Universe
Introduction
r rWelcome to a quest to explore the significance of Tol Eressea, a place of great importance in J.R.R. Tolkien's world, as depicted in The Silmarillion. Tol Eressea is mentioned in several passages, and its role as a dwelling place for the returning Noldor and other inhabitants is a topic of much discussion among scholars of Tolkien's works. This article will delve into the nuances of its history and symbolism, supporting our analysis with relevant quotations from the text.
r rUnderstanding Tol Eressea
r rA Temporary Sanctuary
r rTalking about Tol Eressea, it's important to note that many of Tolkien's characters, such as the long-sundered Teleri and the few mortals who arrived at the Undying Lands, found the radiant realms of Aman too bright to dwell in permanently. A comparative study with the account in The Silmarillion shows that Tol Eressea, a "lonely isle," was a natural choice as it offered a gentler environment for transition and adjustment before moving to more radiant areas like Valinor or Eldamar. According to Tolkien, excerpts such as “Tears unnumbered ye shall shed and the Valar will fence Valinor against you and shut you out so that not even the echo of your lamentation shall pass over the mountains,” imply that the wrath of the Valar towards the Noldor was real and that moving beyond Tol Eressea required a special permission and qualification to dwell in Valinor.
r rForgiveness and Admission
r rThe Love and Pardon of Manw?
r rIn the Quenta Silmarillion, it’s made clear that the Noldor, once they came into the West, were admitted again to the love of Manw? (the chief Vala). The joy of reuniting is further described as the Noldor's ancient grief, and the curse upon them was laid to rest. The passage "They were admitted again to the love of Manw? and the pardon of the Valar" is a significant assertion here, emphasizing that the Noldor were neither confined to nor condemned to Tol Eressea but could choose to move to other parts of the Undying Lands.
r rThe Curse Upon the Noldor
r rRather than being forced to reside on Tol Eressea, the Noldor were granted permission to be there, with the opportunity to proceed to Eldamar or Valinor upon their own will. Yet, it's important to understand the context surrounding their decision. Several dark and fateful prophecies were made, which included the expectation of unending tears, the fencing of Valinor, and the wrath of the Valar. The passage reads:
r r“Much it foretold in dark words which the Noldor understood not until the woes indeed after befell them but all heard the curse that was uttered upon those that would not stay nor seek the doom and pardon of the Valar.”r r
The Oath and its Consequences
r rThe curse mentioned in the text includes the Valar’s wrath from west to east, the eternal banishment of the Noldor, and the oaths they took which, while promising their pursuit of treasures, would ultimately lead to their downfall. This perpetual bond is highlighted in the passage:
r r“Their Oath shall drive them and yet betray them and ever snatch away the very treasures that they have sworn to pursue. To evil end shall all things turn that they begin well and by treason of kin unto kin and the fear of treason shall this come to pass.”r r
This text reveals the binding and treacherous nature of the Noldor’s oaths and the consequences of their desire for power and treasure.
r rConclusion
r rIn summary, Tol Eressea, both within and outside the text, served as a realm of transition and a dwelling place, reflecting the choices and fears of the characters. It was a place of mercy and transformation for the Noldor and other exiles, allowing them the freedom to choose their path towards Valinor or Eldamar, despite the dire prophecies and curses hanging over them.
r rWith this deeper understanding of the role and significance of Tol Eressea, we can see how it shapes the narrative and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in Tolkien's Silmarillion.
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