Can the Valar Sentence People to Death?

[Galadriel55]

I think Maglor would be either killed by the elves who defend themselves or imprisoned by the Valar (physically). I don't think they will banish him again, since it had no effect on him. What's the point of a punishent if it doesn't get the point across?

[Andsigil]

I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.

[Inziladun]

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Andsigil

I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.

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".

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.

This, a lot of children included.

Also I think they separated Melkor's spirit from his body which is a definition of killing him isn't it?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Elmo

This, a lot of children included.

Also I think they separated Melkor's spirit from his body which is a definition of killing him isn't it?

Again, it wasn't the Valar who passed judgement on Númenor: they lacked the authority to do so.

Also, Melkor was forced into the Void, but it is not said that his consciousness was affected, and the Valar were not by nature corporal beings in the first place. I don't think you can infer that Melkor was "killed".

EDIT- Also had the thought that Melkor was not one of the Children, but was a peer of the Valar. Their bringing him to heel was much different than the prospect of their judging Elves, Men, or Dwarves.

[Galadriel55]

The Valar didn't give life to the Children - so they can't take it away.

Zil - I agree with you completely on what you said about Morgoth.

[Galin]

As an aside: I would say Morgoth was killed; he incarnated himself and had become wedded to his body it seems, and was ultimately judged and executed.

This is arguably more explicit in Morgoth's Ring (and/or possibly Osanwe Centa) than in the Silmarillion. What the MR text might also say about Manwe or Eru here I don't remember however, and I don't have Myths Transformed at hand at the moment!

Edit: here's the 'arguably more explicit' passage I was thinking of (found it on the net), but I know there's more in any case...

'Morgoth was thus actually made captive in physical form, and in that form taken as a mere criminal to Aman and delivered to Namo Mandos as judge - and executioner. He was judged, and eventually taken out of the Blessed Realm and executed: that is killed like one of the Incarnates.'

Full context is best but again I can't lay my hands on MR at this time.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Galin

As an aside: I would say Morgoth was killed; he incarnated himself and had become wedded to his body it seems, and was ultimately judged and executed.

I don't have access to Morgoth's Ring, but the Silm text says:

But Morgoth himself the Valar thrust through the Door of Night beyond the Walls of the World.....and a guard is set forever on those walls, and Eärendil keeps watch upon the ramparts of the sky.

If Morgoth was "dead", why the need to "guard" and "keep watch"?

I don't know which text was the preferred one from the Professor's point of view, but doesn't the Second Prophesy of Mandos refer to Melkor returning at the end as well?