Gift of Men - Changing of The Gift

Changing of The Gift

As told in the tale of Adanel, it is believed, as a myth among some Men, that the short life and mortality of Men was not their original fate, but obtained as a result of Divine Punishment for turning away from Ilúvatar's teachings and worshipping Morgoth. Many accept that this tale is not entirely true and may be a result of Men's unwillingness to accept their fate. However, it can be theorised that Men's original fate (before their punishment) was not immortality in Arda, but the freedom to die at will, rather than being bound by a limited lifespan. This is consistent with the explanation of the Gift of Men, and would explain how it was tainted. The Númenóreans, whose ancestors repented and fought against Morgoth, were blessed by Ilúvatar not only with long life but also with a limited freedom to die at will: while their lifespans were still finite, they did not have to suffer the effects of old age until the very end, and they could choose to depart before that happened, while they were still healthy in mind and body.