Introduction to Valinor and the Ban on Men

Valinor, the Blessed Land, is an iconic realm in the hobbit and Lord of the Rings series. However, the inhabitants of this place have limitations regarding human visitors. This article explores the myths surrounding the visit to Valinor by men and the strictures that prevent their entry. We will delve into the historical context, the fate of those who trespassed, and the implications for the realm of Middle-earth.

Historical Context and Myths of Men in Valinor

The myths surrounding the visit to Valinor by men are sparse and often enigmatic, as detailed in Tolkien's works. According to the lore, no mortals should visit the Blessed Land, and those who attempt to do so face death. This ban applies to all men, regardless of their noble deeds or mortal status.

Valinor: The Blessed Land

Valinor is a realm where the Valar (the gods) reside. It is a place of eternal beauty and peace, far from the perils and troubles of Middle-earth. The entrance to Valinor is the Straight Road, which seems to connect Middle-earth to the Cosmos. However, once one crosses this road, the dangers of Valinor are not to be underestimated.

Specific Cases of Mortals Visiting Valinor

During specific instances, mortals have been granted special permission to enter Valinor, often as part of divine responsibility or grace. Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, and Gimli were allowed to visit Blessed Land because they were involved in the quest for the One Ring. They were not ordinary men but rather companions of the Ring-bearer Samwise Gamgee, who played a crucial role in the downfall of the dark lord Sauron.

Faulty Attempts by Men

ardu-Pharazon, the king of Numenor, led a fleet to Valinor with the intention of waging war. His hubris and belief in Sauron's counsel led to the tragedy of Ar-Pharazon and his fleet. Not only were they defeated, but they were buried alive and their entire civilization perished, culminating in the destruction of Numenor in the cataclysm known as the Akallabeth.

There are also records of certain Salassians who, by sheer luck or misfortune, managed to reach the Straight Road and glimpse the beauty of Valinor, but it was not without peril. According to Tolkien, prolonged visits to Valinor could result in severe psychological and physical consequences. The soul and body may collide, causing a severe strain on the mortal's existence, leading to a fate worse than death, as the Valar would destroy them to prevent such a calamity.

Evidence of Men Visiting Valinor

One of the few instances of men reaching Valinor is Eriol, a descendant of Erendil, the mariner man from England, according to Tolkien's early legendarium. Eriol managed to reach Tol Eressea, a small island near the Straight Road. This was a significant feat as it meant he was part of the few who had access to the gates of Valinor, but still, it was within the safe demarcation of Tol Eressea.

The Ban on Men: A Protective Measure

The Valar, being benevolent beings, put a strict ban on any mortal crossing the Straight Road. For them, the risk to the realm's balance and order was too great. The punishment for those who broke this ban was swift and painless: an instant death. This measure ensured that the Fabulous Land of Valinor remained a place of purity and grace.

The Fate of Inhabitants in Valinor

Even with exceptions like Earendil, a famous hero who survived his journey to Valinor, the Valar made it clear that the ban was not to be broken. The temporary residence of mortals in Valinor was regulated, and once they stepped on the ground of the Blessed Land, they would eventually die, thus ensuring the purity of the realm.

This ban on men reflects the complex relationship between mortals and immortals in Tolkien's universe. It serves as a symbol of the limitations and responsibilities placed on both living and divine beings. The precise reasons behind these strictures are still a subject of scholarly debate, but the overall message is clear: Valinor is a realm reserved for the eternal and the pure, and any violations of the rules can have dire consequences.

In conclusion, the tales of men visiting Valinor are intriguing and filled with uncertainty. While specific cases exist, the general rule is that no human can enter the Blessed Land. This strict ban reflects the ages-old conflict between mortal and immortal, between the transient and the eternal.