December 4, 2002

Re: The Blood of Numenor
Ar-pharazon

"The Valar indeed may not withdraw the gift of death, which comes to Men from Iluvatar, but in the matter of the Half-elven Iluvatar gave to them the judgement; and they judged that to the sons of Earendil should be given choice of their own destiny. And Elrond chose to remain with the Firstborn, and to him the life of the Firstborn was granted. But to Elros, who chose to be the king of Men, still a great span of years was allotted, many times that of the Men of Middle-earth; and all his line, the kings and lords of the royal house, had long life even according to the measure of the Numenoreans."
-The Akallabeth

"Elros chose to be of Man-kind and remain with the Edain; but a great life-span was granted to him many times that of lesser men."
- Appendix A - Annals of the Kings and Rulers

"To the Fathers of Men of the three faithful houses rich reward was given. Eonwe came among them and taught them; and they were given wisdom and power and life more enduring than any others of mortal race have possessed."
- The Akallabeth

Arina, how is this politically incorrect?

Elros was granted a choice. He could have been Elven and immortal like his brother. But he chose to be a Man and king of the Edain. Because of their aid against Morgoth, long life was granted to the Edain. For the extrordinary deeds of his direct ancestors and parents and because he was half-elven, Elros and his descendants were granted even longer life. So yes, it is in the blood. And Aragorn, in whom Gandalf says the blood of Numenor runs true, is a descendant of this great heritage - a gift granted to the Edain by the Valar.