Tuor the Elf? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Glorthelion · 05-26-2012, 06:54 AM

Tuor wed Idril and thus was the second 2nd union between man and elf. As we all know, Tuor was the only man to be counted among the Eldar. Why was Tuor allowed to become an elf and sail to Valinor? Why can't Beren and Aragorn do just that? Shouldn't Idril have given up her immortality?

If Tuor was granted immortality because of his love for the Noldor, then I think Aragorn has displayed just as much love towards the Noldor and other Elves. IMO Tuor is a bit of a coward for rejecting the gift of men.

The Might · 05-27-2012, 04:07 AM

Tolkien answers this in letter #153:

Quote:

Túor weds Idril the daughter of Turgon King of Gondolin; and 'it is supposed' (not stated) that he as an unique exception receives the Elvish limited 'immortality': an exception either way. Eärendil is Túor's son & father of Elros (First King of Númenor) and Elrond, their mother being Elwing daughter of Dior, son of Beren and Lúthien: so the problem of the Half-elven becomes united in one line.

I don't see Tuor as a coward for rejecting Death, I think he rather chose to stay with Idril. But as stated in another letter, it may not have the best decision the couple made as the Gift of Men would eventually be longed after even by the Valar.

Glorthelion · 05-27-2012, 04:25 AM

Thank you for that. Is there a website for Tolkien letters?

Hmmm......Tuor must feel bad for abandoning his kindred...

Glorthelion

Estelyn Telcontar · 05-27-2012, 10:49 AM

The quote from Tolkien's letter comes from a published book, The Letters of JRR Tolkien, edited by Humphrey Carpenter. It's well worth reading, even purchasing, if you're interested in his comments on his life and works as well as his answers to questions that readers wrote him.

05-27-2012, 04:25 AM	#3
Glorthelion Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 58	Thank you for that. Is there a website for Tolkien letters? Hmmm......Tuor must feel bad for abandoning his kindred... Glorthelion __________________ What did Aragorn say when Gandalf died in Moria? Damn Gulf

05-27-2012, 10:49 AM	#4
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	The quote from Tolkien's letter comes from a published book, The Letters of JRR Tolkien, edited by Humphrey Carpenter. It's well worth reading, even purchasing, if you're interested in his comments on his life and works as well as his answers to questions that readers wrote him. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

05-26-2012, 06:54 AM	#1
Glorthelion Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 58	Tuor the Elf? Tuor wed Idril and thus was the second 2nd union between man and elf. As we all know, Tuor was the only man to be counted among the Eldar. Why was Tuor allowed to become an elf and sail to Valinor? Why can't Beren and Aragorn do just that? Shouldn't Idril have given up her immortality? If Tuor was granted immortality because of his love for the Noldor, then I think Aragorn has displayed just as much love towards the Noldor and other Elves. IMO Tuor is a bit of a coward for rejecting the gift of men. __________________ What did Aragorn say when Gandalf died in Moria? Damn Gulf Last edited by Glorthelion; 05-27-2012 at 01:24 AM.