Undying Lands

The Undying Lands were a realm inhabited by Ainur and Elves (both races were immortal). The area included the continent of Aman and the island of Tol Eressëa. The ocean Belegaer separated the Undying Lands from the western shores of Middle-earth.

Originally, the Valar did not permit the Men of Númenor to enter the Undying Lands. However, in SA 3319 (Second Age), the treacherous Sauron deceived Ar-Pharazôn, the last King of Númenor, to believe that the ruler of the Undying Lands would be granted immortality. To prevent the king's invasion, Ilúvatar 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 choose to (which most did).

In TA 3021 (Third Age), Círdan the Shipwright accompanied Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf, the Keepers of the Rings, on a voyage to the Undying Lands, where they intended to remain. They were also joined by Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, Hobbits who were among the very few mortal beings to be allowed passage to the Undying Lands.

Eventually, Samwise Gamgee, another Hobbit of the Shire, and the Dwarf Gimli, also made the journey.


 * In his novels, J.R.R. Tolkien made a point of establishing that mortals remain mortal, even if they are permitted to enter the Undying Lands.