Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegorn
I think their unrest was tied to the gifts they received as High Men and the resulting experiences.
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I agree. Consider Professor Tolkien's remarks in Letter 131 when discussing Nśmenor: "Reward on earth is more dangerous for men than punishment!"
It was the gifts of the Valar to Men which catalysed their downfall, but only through the volition of Men, not the action of the Valar.
At the same time, however, I think that while the responsibility lies with Men, there is a clear parallel with the destruction ultimately caused by the Valar bringing the Eldar to Aman. The persistence of the Valar in the First and Second Ages in interfering in the natural course of events is usually both a blessing and a curse.