Undying Lands
The Undying Lands were a realm inhabited by Ainur and ELDAR. The area included the continent of AMAN and the island of TOL ERESSEA. The BELEGAER OCEAN separated the Undying Lands from the western shores of Middle-earth. Only immortals and ring-bearers were allowed to live in this realm.
History
Eldar Days
After the destruction of their first home, ISLE ALMAREN in the GREAT LAKE, they left Middle-Earth, and went to the lands of AMAN in the westernmost areas of the EA. There they fortified themselves a land from MELKOR. Raising the PELORI the tallest mountains in the world. There they grew in strength until they could take on Melkor and his forces. After this they were able to bring the QUENDI, that would answer their invitation, to come and live with them.
It was here that FEANOR made the SIMARILS, and here Melkor came and stole them, and many of the elves returned then to Middle-Earth vowing to take back the jewels that had been stolen.
Second Age
Many of the Elves that had gone to Middle-Earth returned after the defeat of Melkor and his banishment to the VOID. As one of the blessings given to the Elf-Friends and children of EAREDIL mortals were allowed to trade with those from VALINOR in the Undying Lands, but were forbidden to sail west beyond the sight of NUMENOR. However, in SA 3319 (Second Age), Sauron deceived AR-PHARAZON, the KING OF NUMENOR, that the ruler of the Undying Lands would be granted immortality. To prevent the king's invasion, ILUVATAR destroyed Númenor beneath the ocean and set the Undying Lands forever beyond the reach of mortal Men. Elves were still permitted to sail across the sea to the Undying Lands, if they chose to (which most did).
Third Age
In TA 3021, CIRDAN the Shipwright accompanied Elrond, The Half Elf, GALDRIEL, and Gandalf, the Grey, the Keepers of the Rings, on a voyage to the Undying Lands, where they intended to remain. They were also joined by FRODO BAGGINS and Bilbo Baggins, HOBBITS who were among the very few mortal beings to be allowed passage to the Undying Lands.
Fourth Age
Eventually, SAMWISE GAMGEE, another Hobbit of the SHIRE, and the Dwarf GIMLI along with his great friend LEGOLAS made the journey to the Undying Lands. It is unknown how Manwe took to Gimli’s arrival, as he would have killed EARENDIL for coming to Valinor uninvited and only spared him because he came on behalf of Elves and Men.
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