406 – The Longest Time

There was in Gondolin a jewelsmith named Enerthil, the greatest of that craft among the Noldor after the death of Feanor.

And Erdil loved all green things that grew, and his greatest joy was to see the sunlight through the leaves of trees.

And it came into his heart to make a jewel within which the clear light of the sun should be imprisoned, but the jewel should be green as leaves.

And he made this thing, and even the Noldor marveled at it.

For it is said that those who looked through this stone saw things that were withered or burned healed again, or as they were in the grace of their youth.

and that the hands of one who held it brought to all that they touched healing from hurt.

This gem Enerdil gave to Idril, the king's daughter, and she wore it upon her breast, and so it was saved from the burning of Gondolin.

And before Idril set sail, she said to Erendil, her son, The Elessar I leave with thee, for there are grievous hurts to Middle-earth, which thou

maybe shalt heal,

but to

none other shalt thou deliver it.

And indeed, at Sirion's haven there were many hurts to heal, both of men and elves, and of beasts that fled thither from the horror of the north.

And while Eärendil dwelt there, they were healed and prospered, and all things were for a while green and fair.

But when Eärendil began his great voyages upon the sea, he wore the Elessar upon his breast, for amongst all his searchings the thought was always before him that he might perhaps find Idril again.

And his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower.

So it was that the Elessar passed away when Eärendil returned no more to Middle-earth.

In ages after there was again an Elessar, and of this two things are said, though which is true only those wise could say who now are gone.

For some say that the second was indeed only the first returned by the grace of the Valar, and that Olorun, who was known in Middle-earth as Mithrandir, brought it with him out of the west.

And on a time Olorun came to Galadriel, who dwelt now under the trees of Greenwood the Great, and they had long speech together.

For the years of her exile began to lie heavy on the lady of the Noldor, and she longed for news of her kin and for the blessed land of her birth.

and yet was unwilling to forsake Middle-earth.

Christopher interjects here with a note in brackets saying that this sentence was changed to read, but was not permitted yet to forsake Middle-earth.

And then the professor's words continue.

And when Olorun had told her many tidings, she sighed and said, I grieve in Middle-earth, for leaves fall and flowers fade, and my heart yearns, remembering trees and grass that do not die.

I would have these in my home.