The Dior Dilemma

[Lalaith]

But the Edain were granted their long lifespan three times that of ordinary men, by the Valar, when they left for Numenor. Elros got 500 years, but again, all the references I find have him getting that lifespan at the time he made his choice, not before. So Aragorn, as his descendant, was getting the grace of the Valar that had been granted at the end of the First Age.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Lalaith

But the Edain were granted their long lifespan three times that of ordinary men, by the Valar, when they left for Numenor. Elros got 500 years, but again, all the references I find have him getting that lifespan at the time he made his choice, not before. So Aragorn, as his descendant, was getting the grace of the Valar that had been granted at the end of the First Age.

There is an age difference, though, between the Line of Elros and the average Edainic Númenorean. In the case of Elros' descendents, until the shadow fell on Númenor, four hundred years was the standard lifespan, whereas the Normal Númenorean only lived 250-300 years. Even as the lifespan of the Elrosians dropped after they began to rebel against the Valar, they seem to have consistantly had longer lifespans than the average around them. Elendil lived past three hundred, and died in battle not of old age. By the time of Aragorn, I agree, the longevity is simply general Númenorean, but in earlier times there was a marked difference.

[Lalaith]

Yes, of course, Form. But my point was that the Edain (men) did not get their long lifespans until the end of the First Age. Which does not explain how Earendil and Elwing seemed so youthful in their 70s, in 573 FA.

[Elmo]

Didn't Beor last a long time though?

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by Lalaith

Yes, of course, Form. But my point was that the Edain (men) did not get their long lifespans until the end of the First Age. Which does not explain how Earendil and Elwing seemed so youthful in their 70s, in 573 FA.

They weren't. They were born c. 503 and the voyages of Earendil began in 534 (aged 31), the Kinslaying at the mouths of Sirion was 538 and Vingilot arrived in Valinor in 542, when Earendil and Elwing were 39. They made their choice immediately.

[Belegorn]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

By the time of Aragorn, I agree, the longevity is simply general Númenorean, but in earlier times there was a marked difference.

It was not the only marked difference early on as those of line of Elros had a distinct advantage "in life-span, vigour, or ability" [Note 27; Aldarion and Erendis] among their peers. I'm not sure how long these differences held among the Faithful. Elendil's line seemed to exhibit superior traits during the Downfall and even Isildur was said to be "a man of strength and endurance that few even of the Dúnedain of that age could equal." [Disaster of the Gladden Fields]