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Originally Posted by Alphaelin
One thing about this chapter that also strikes me is the phrase "being at strife with the world". It could also describe the sons of Feanor in their vow of vengeance against any who withhold a Silmaril from them. The phrase reflects a sense of disharmony with Iluvatar's Arda, and to me implies a willingness to go against his will. In terms of Tolkien's Christian faith, disobedience to God's will is the root of humanity's tendency toward sin. Considered this way the phrase has always led me to think that it is a wonder that some Men in The Silmarillion *don't* fall.
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Well, all the race of Men is fallen; the closest they were to overcoming that was with Numenor, but they blew it:
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The Downfall is partly the result of an inner weakness in Men – consequent, if you will, upon the first Fall (unrecorded in these tales), repented but not finally healed.
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Frankly, having some Men not fallen from the very start is my favorite divergence from Tolkien's work
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Originally Posted by Alphaelin
The bodies of the Eldar can be injured or killed, or waste away with illness perhaps, but only Men die of old age.
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Actually, illness can't kill them
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Originally Posted by Of the flight of the Noldor, Silmarillion
For though Eru appointed to you to die not in Ea, and no sickness may assail you, yet slain ye may be, and slain ye shall be: by weapon and by torment and by grief; and your houseless spirits shall come then to Mandos.
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