Circle of Life

Although the circle of life is something that we all witness and experience, in Tolkien's world, the life spans of several character groups run a different course. From conception to death, the peoples of Middle-earth all take different courses. The Elves are bound to Arda and will only perish once Arda ends. Men, on the other hand, are gifted with death and go beyond Arda. The fate of Dwarves is a fascinating one:

The Dwarves add that at that time Aulë gained them also this privilege that distinguished them from Elves and Men: that the spirit of each of the Fathers (such as Durin) should, at the end of the long span of life allotted to Dwarves, fall asleep, but then lie in a tomb of his own body, at rest, and there its weariness and any hurts that had befallen it should be amended. Then after long years he should arise and take up his kingship again.
-Tolkien, The Peoples of Middle-earth, page 383

We would like to challenge you to create a fanwork that addresses the question of life, (im)mortality and reincarnation, or re-embodiment.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• What thoughts would Curufin and Telchar exchange over the matter of life? What would each reveal to the other?
• Have you ever imagined what life would be like once you go beyond Arda?
• What conversation would Tuor and Idril Celebrindal have regarding their future together?
• Orcs, Balrogs, and other evil creatures: how would they view all aspects of life?

This challenge opened in October 2012 .