The Grey Havens

[Sanna]

I just finished reading Lord of the Rings, and it has left me with a question on my mind.

It is said that the wizards came forth from the west, a place called Grey Havens, in order to help man defeat Sauron. In the end, Gandolf returns to the Grey Havens with Frodo, Bilbo, the Lady, Elrond, and later Sam goes as well. Is traveling to the Grey Havens the only way that they can die? Frodo goes because he is sick, Bilbo goes because he is so old, when Sam finally goes it is because he is old and dying. Yet other hobbits, such as Merry, remain and die on Middle Earth.

Or when they go to the Grey Havens, do they go somewhere else where they can live forever? Is that a gift to Frodo, Sam, and Bilbo for bearing the ring? Or is it a place like a heaven, and so Gandolf was sent from a god or gods to help the men?

Also, why did the other Elves remain if it was the beginning of the 4th age, age of man, and end of middle earth? Someone help me straighten this out please!


Sanna