Let’s take a different approach to Beleg’s original question of “what is the ultimate fate of
Men”. There has been a lot of discussion about the last Theme of Music, and what happens to
Morgoth and all of the bad guys.
Helcaraxe provides the key passage from the
Ainulindale from the published Silmarillion:
"Never since have the
Ainur made any music like to this music, though it has been said that a greater still shall be made before
Iluvatar by the choirs of the Ainur and the children of Iluvatar after the end of days. Then the themes of Iluvatar shall be played aright, and take Being in the moment of their utterance, for all shall then understand fully his intent in their part, and each shall know the comprehension of each, and Iluvatar shall give to their thoughts the secret fire, being well pleased."
This gives me an impression of ultimate reconciliation and understanding among all of
Eru’s creation. When
Tolkien says “the choirs of the Ainur” and “the children of Illuvatar” he means all of them, good bad and indifferent.
Look at this passage:
“…all shall then understand fully his intent in their part, and each shall know the comprehension of each…”
Doesn’t that sound like all of the conflicts between
Melkor and the rest of the
Valar through all of history were ultimately based on a horrible misunderstanding? This tells me that all of Eru’s beings, from
Manwe to
Sauron to
Elendil to
Ar-Pharazon to
Finrod to Eol to
Durin to
Bilbo Baggins to
Ugluk to
Ungoliant to
Shadowfax will set aside their differences and live in harmony. Like YayGollum said, “a nice little paradise place that everyone is equal and gets to have all kinds of fun”. And this would even apply to Melkor, despite the writings of how
Turin is supposed to slay him at the
Dagor Dagorath. I don’t know how a mortal can “slay” a
god and I don’t know what “slay” means in that context.
Consider this passage at the part of the Ainulindale where Tolkien is describing how wonderful was the First Theme of the Music:
…it came into the heart of Melkor to interweave matters of his own imagining that were not in accord with the theme of Iluvatar; for he sought therein to increase the power and glory of the part assigned to himself. To Melkor among the Ainur had been given the greatest gifts of power and knowledge, and he had a share in all the gifts of his brethren.
...But being alone he had begun to conceive thoughts of his own unlike those of his brethren.
So Melkor thought he could make better music than the theme given to him by Iluvatar, and he wanted greater power and glory in the playing of the music. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Self advancement and innovation are usually considered virtues. The problems came when his themes clashed with Iluvatar’s resulting in discord. Now, was there any counseling or friendly appeal to Melkor letting him know that what he was doing was causing harm to the other Ainur? Any asking of him to be a team player? No, immediately there was this drawing of lines in the sand between the two sides and immediate conflict.
And then there is the acknowledgment that Melkor’s efforts are really implementing Eru’s will:
And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.
Also…
And thou, Melkor, wilt discover all the secret thoughts of thy mind, and wilt perceive that they are but a part of the whole and tributary to its glory.
Kind of makes you think that if there had been some constructive dialogue when Melkor started interfering with the First Theme, all of the subsequent conflicts could have been prevented. But Eru’s words tell me that the conflict is necessary to build what will eventually be paradise.
So, to answer Belegs original question, Men join all of Eru’s
creatures in the paradise known as
Arda Remade, which is represented by the Final Theme of Music.