Quote:
Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim
I don't remember anything in the text about this matter, but I'm sure they would not make such a decision without consulting Eru.
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This is in line with my thoughts. Judgements regarding the Children of Ilúvatar seem to have been considered as the province of the creator, at least as far as severe punishments were concerned.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andsigil
I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.
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That was Ilúvatar, though, not the Valar. Illustrating my above point, the Valar did not think they had the authority to render a summary judgment and kill the Númenóreans outright, even though Ar-Pharazôn and his men were a direct threat to the Elves in Aman. Instead, they handed the matter over to the "father" of the Children. I see the Valar as being more "nannies" to the Children, and not having ultimate authority as "parents".