The conflict between Elrond and Arwen sailing to the Undying Lands in The Lord of the Rings hints at the Elves' return to Valinor, their ancestral home. However, The Rings of Power delves deeper into the Elves' history, revealing why they departed from Valinor to engage in a fierce battle against the ancient evil, Morgoth.

The Elves' Call to Arms

Valinor, situated far West of Middle Earth, was the idyllic homeland of the Elves until they were summoned to combat Morgoth. This call to arms stemmed from the betrayal and manipulation orchestrated by Melkor, leading to a fracture among the Elven kind.

The Deception of Melkor

Melkor's rebellion against the benevolent Valar sparked a chain of events that tainted the Elves' existence. By sowing seeds of discord and greed, Melkor incited the Noldorin Elves to pursue Morgoth and reclaim the Silmarils, setting the stage for tragedy and division within Elven society.

Unveiling the Curse and Redemption

The curse of Mandos, a repercussion of the Elves' defiance and fratricide, sealed their fate upon leaving Valinor. This curse, a judgment by the Valar, barred their return to the Undying Lands. Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope remains as forgiveness and redemption may pave the way for select Elves to reunite with their kin in Valinor.

The Longing for Home

Although some Elves are granted passage back to Valinor post-Morgoth's defeat, not all choose to return. The allure of Middle Earth and unfinished endeavors detain certain Elves, like Galadriel, from embracing their immortality in the Undying Lands. As the era of the Elves fades, the choice between mortality and eternal life looms over these ancient beings.