Elves visiting Numenor.

[Zigûr]

Originally Posted by Belegorn

What do you mean by this?

Precisely what I say. When the Valar debated the matter of bringing the Eldar to Aman, Ulmo counselled that "the Quendi should be left free to walk as they would in Middle-earth, and with their gifts of skill to order all the lands and heal their hurts." This view did not prevail, however, and the Eldar were invited to Aman. As Professor Tolkien consequently observes, "From this summons came many woes that afterwards befell." ("Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor")

If they had not done so, doubtless the Eldar would not have achieved some of the same heights of power and glory that they did under the tutelage of the Valar. At the same time, however, they would not have been sundered as a people, nor would the Noldor have rebelled and caused so much havoc. Is there not a parallel to Númenor? If the Edain had been left to their own devices they may not have reached the same heights, nor fallen to the same lows, as they consequently did. Again, "Reward on earth is more dangerous for men than punishment!"