The latter notably happens to the Elf-lord Glorfindel, who honorably dies in battle with a balrog in the First Age and is sent back with a new body to fight against Sauron at a later date.

No elves, no dwarves, and not a hobbit in sight: "The Lord of the Rings" returns to the big screen this month ... That tradition means themes such as honor, loyalty, hubris -- and a fearsome female ...