Eru and Numenor: The Valar’s Gift to the Edain

In the vast and intricate mythology of Middle-earth, the creation and fate of Numenor stand as a testament to the intricate collaboration between Eru Iluvatar and the Valar. The question often arises, did Eru Iluvatar directly give Numenor to the Edain? Or was it the Valar who carried out this divine decree? This article delves into the nuances of this complex narrative, aiming to provide clarity and insight into the mystical and divine realm of Middle-earth.

The Role of Eru Iluvatar in the Creation of Numenor

Eru Iluvatar, the One, the Unhewn, the Creator, holds the ultimate authority in the Pantheon of Arda. In the beginning, He designed the forests and mountains, the rivers and seas, and all the creatures that dwell within this world. However, when it came to the creation of Numenor, Eru’s role was slightly different.

According to the mythology, Eru did not directly give Numenor to the Edain. Instead, He set in motion the events that would ultimately lead to the creation and rise of Numenor. In the Loremaster’s Tales , it is mentioned that Eru created and shaped the world, and it was the will of the Ainur, especially the Valar, to bring about certain outcomes. Eru’s role was that of the ultimate arbiter who guided these outcomes towards His divine plan, not a direct participant in every act of creation.

The Intervention of the Valar

The Valar, the most powerful of the Ainur, played a crucial role in the creation of Numenor. Their interventions were guided by the will of Eru. In the expansive Valaquenta , it is stated that the Valar were granted authority to govern the physical and spiritual realms of Arda, and in carrying out their duties, they often collaborated with Eru’s will.

The Gift of Numenor was one of these interventions. According to the account in the Silmarillion , the Valar, led by Manw?, the High King of the Valar, and his spouse Varda, decided to reward the Edain for their steadfast loyalty to the Valar in the ancient wars against Morgoth. It was a valiant decision, recognizing the Edain’s inherent valor and unwavering trust in the divine will.

The Narrative in the "Silmarillion"

The events leading up to the creation of Numenor are detailed in the Silmarillion . After the Nirnaeth Arnoediad (the Unnumbered Point), the Edain, led by Beren and Lúthien, and their children, played a pivotal role in the defeat of Morgoth. These heroes, with their bloodlines manifesting the seed of Eru’s divine plan, set the stage for a new era of civilization and culture.

The Valar, recognizing the strength and righteousness of the Edain, decided to reward them with a new land, which they named Numenor. This land was to be a haven for free peoples, a territory where they could live and prosper, free from the shadow of Melkor (Morgoth) and his dark influence.

The Divine Will and the Mystical Underpinnings

The divine will of Eru played a significant role in the unfolding of this narrative. It was not a simple act of giving, but rather a complex interplay of intentions and outcomes. In the Silmarillion , Eru’s will is portrayed as a guiding force, shaping events without direct intervention, allowing the Valar and the Edain to act in ways that furthered His divine plan.

The Valar, in carrying out this intervention, were following the divine will of Eru. As the Loremaster’s Tales articulate, 'The will of Eru, however, was not to be thwarted, and through the Valar, He guided the course of events, ensuring that His divine purpose would be fulfilled.' This divine plan encompassed not just the creation of Numenor, but also the raising of new kings and the establishment of a new monarchy that would rule the blessed isles.

The Legacy of Numenor

The creation of Numenor was a legacy that would shape the destiny of Middle-earth for centuries to come. It was a testament to the divine will of Eru and the wise and benevolent guidance of the Valar. The new land, blessed by Eru, became a symbol of hope and a refuge for the Edain, a place where they could thrive and create a new and prosperous civilization.

The history of Numenor is a complex interplay of divine will and human endeavor, a story of pride and downfall, survival and redemption. It is a tale that continues to resonate with the mythological and spiritual themes that define Middle-earth and the broader narrative of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Eru Iluvatar did not directly give Numenor to the Edain, He guided the Valar in carrying out this intervention. The Valar, acting with the divine will of Eru, rewarded the Edain for their loyalty and bravery, creating a new and blessed land. The creation of Numenor stands as a testament to the intricate and divine collaboration between Eru and the Valar, a story that continues to fascinate and inspire readers worldwide.

Bibliography

The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien The Loremaster’s Tales by J. R. R. Tolkien The Valaquenta from the Silmarillion

Keywords: Numenor, Eru Iluvatar, Valar