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11-21-2002, 04:28 PM

Thanks for replies. I really didn’t want to make it sound like the Valar didn’t care for Men or not love them, maybe just treat them differently. Kind of like how a parent may treat a favorite child (Elves) versus another (Men, Dwarves, etc) Trying to look at it from the Valar perspective, how can you weigh an immortal life against one or more mortal lives. The Valar obviously would feel a special bond with the elves, as they are both bound to the fate of Ea, but it just seems like a greater degree of indifference exists when it comes to Men, Hobbits, etc. Enough of a degree that it just makes me curious. Maybe because they realize the value of the gift of death and knowing that Men are maybe going to a “better place” (though I don’t know if it is said exactly where they go). Though extraordinarily powerful and wise, I don’t know if the Valar are above envy, pettiness, or some other traits. One of their own and several other lower Ainur had “fallen”. I can also understand why they would want to take an advisory role if possible (via the Istari). I just wonder how the events of ME would have shaken out after the fall of Numenor had the Valar taken more of an active interest in ME. Not just even in the direct ways, but in also in the “hey we are the powers of ME, we exist and can maybe help you with wise counsel, just give us a call” kind of way. (though maybe via fewer channels, since everyone could ask for advise on everything)

Thanks again for the replies.

11-21-2002, 04:28 PM	#5
EnglishCountrySide Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for replies. I really didn’t want to make it sound like the Valar didn’t care for Men or not love them, maybe just treat them differently. Kind of like how a parent may treat a favorite child (Elves) versus another (Men, Dwarves, etc) Trying to look at it from the Valar perspective, how can you weigh an immortal life against one or more mortal lives. The Valar obviously would feel a special bond with the elves, as they are both bound to the fate of Ea, but it just seems like a greater degree of indifference exists when it comes to Men, Hobbits, etc. Enough of a degree that it just makes me curious. Maybe because they realize the value of the gift of death and knowing that Men are maybe going to a “better place” (though I don’t know if it is said exactly where they go). Though extraordinarily powerful and wise, I don’t know if the Valar are above envy, pettiness, or some other traits. One of their own and several other lower Ainur had “fallen”. I can also understand why they would want to take an advisory role if possible (via the Istari). I just wonder how the events of ME would have shaken out after the fall of Numenor had the Valar taken more of an active interest in ME. Not just even in the direct ways, but in also in the “hey we are the powers of ME, we exist and can maybe help you with wise counsel, just give us a call” kind of way. (though maybe via fewer channels, since everyone could ask for advise on everything) Thanks again for the replies.