Hurin the Wraith

[Saurreg]

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

I'm inclined to agree. However, this gets back to the original problem. None of the Valar had the power to deny death to Men yet Sauron did it and I believe the implication is that Morgoth had the power to do so as well. Does this mean that the Valar had the technical ability to keep Men from dying to this world but their loyalty to Eru prevented them from exercising this power?

That could very well be the case. Remember the choices given to Elros and Elrond. The very right to grant immortal life was made at the sole discretion of the Valars alone without consultation to Illuvatar. Therefore I think it was very possible for them to be ably to control the longevity and indeed the very nature of individuals.