I think it is excepted that Gimli and the hobbits are living forever in Valinor. That is definitely the impression I got from the last bit of information on Gimli. I bet the old smith was pleased to see one of his works again.

I think it is excepted that Gimli and the hobbits are living forever in Valinor. That is definitely the impression I got from the last bit of information on Gimli. I bet the old smith was pleased to see one of his works again.

One other thing I forgot: The undying realm was also jot void of death, as they still had a murder rate(killing occurs in the Silmarillion). So how long till someone comes along and kicks the hobbits and dwarf out? I also believe they only stay until they are tired of life, at which point Mandos takes over.

During the Silmarillion Valinor was part of the world but after the Numenorians invaded it was removed into another plan of existence so the rules could be drastically different in terms of dying from any cause. Also I don't recall Valinor being the place elves went until they grew tired of life, rather, it was the place they went when they got tired of living in Middle Earth. What sort of limitations to the stay of the Hobbits and Gimli is not mentioned as far as I can recall.

There is, of course, no reason to suspect that the Valar were able to do more than prolong their lives as it was with the Men of Westernesse. The lotr.wiki seems to believe that is the case at any rate. I suppose it makes the most sense seeing as how the Valar were unable or unwilling to grant anyone without elvish blood immortality. Would you agree with that line of reasoning?

Well, they gave men-elf hybrids a choice, so it would appear to be in their power as long as they do not alter Illuvitar's will...

That choice only has (im)mortality as an effect. They didn't grant (im)mortality, they granted the choice to be either elf or man, and after that choice everything still goes as intended. Elves don't die, men do.

Or do men get life with Illuvatar, while elves are constrained to the mortal realm? Who is the real kortal, then? Are not our definitions askew?

I am fairly certain Gimli would remain mortal (though he might have had a long life because of the healing nature of the lands), much like the Hobbits. An article about this:
https://middle-earth.xenite.org/what-ha ... -over-sea/
I can really recommend this website for any question about Tolkien's Middle-earth.
I'm afraid I can't remember where I read that the Hobbits remained mortal, though I am fairly sure Tolkien mentions it in the Appendices or his Letters somewhere.

On the topic of Frodo leaving:
https://middle-earth.xenite.org/why-did ... the-shire/