Elves Wimp Out?

[barrelrider110]

Originally Posted by EllethValatari

You have to remember that the time of the elves was over. From the beginning of time Illuvatar had ordained that the Elves care for Middle Earth until the time of men came; when Aragorn became King. The Elves knew it was time for them to leave and therefore left Middle Earth in the hands of men.

Exactly. Elrond: 'for men multiply and the firstborn decrease and the two kindreds are estranged.'

It is the destiny of Elves to leave for Valinor. They were called by Iluvitar, and they all have the urge to sail west; Legolas refers to that several times. The 'estrangement' no doubt refers to the breaking of the covenant of Numenor, when men attempted to sail to the undying lands. So the Elves for the most part felt no obligation to help the men of Middle Earth. Men allowed Sauron to regain power; the Ringwraiths were men who craved power. So, the prevailing thought was, let the men deal with the situation. Those Elves who helped the cause not only did so to rid Middle Earth of evil and vanquish their ancient foe. They also had their own agendas. Elves of the house of Elrond, some of their kin were men; Galadriel, had a debt to repay for her First-age rebellion, and Legolas also had a debt to repay: his people allowed Gollum to escape.