Background Information About Middle Earth

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s books concerning Middle Earth (including the Lord of the Rings), Tolkien describes the elves leaving Middle Earth by way of boat, across the sea, departing to the Undying Lands.

“The ships have come,
to carry you home“
“Grey ships pass
Into the West.”

The elves who visited the sea tended to develop the Sea Longing, where they have a great desire to depart the western shores of Middle Earth to join kin and friends who have already reside in the Undying Lands and would be waiting for them.

“…The ones who came before.
They are calling,
From across a distant shore.”

Gulls are associated with the sea, their cries alone have been known to awake the Sea Longing in elves.

“Why do the white Gulls call?”