[Kuruharan]

When I first asked this question I thought that I had an opinion, but when I was thumbing through the Ainulindale and came to the passage that Obloquy aptly quoted, I changed my mind. Now I'm not sure either way, but here's an interpretation that might or might not float. I know it starts out a bit strange, but please bear with me...
Looking at the example of another Vala who went against the will of Eru, Aule in his making of the Dwarves, Iluvatar said some things that seem to maybe apply to the free will question. "Even as I gave being to the thoughts of the Ainur at the beginning of the world, so now I have taken up thy desire and given to it a place therein..."
Now granted what Aule had done was not out of a desire to dominate but out of a desire to have students to teach he still chose to go beyond what Eru intended.
It was the "taken up thy desire and given to it a place therein" line that caught my eye. It gave me the idea that the Valar had free will to do what they pleased, and while their deeds might be against the will of Eru, they could be hallowed and given life because greater glory could be brought to Ea through them.
Now back to the point. I don't think that Melkor's rebellion was part of the original plan, but since he chose to exercise his free will and revolt his ideas, like Aule's, were taken into the greater theme because they would ultimately bring greater glory to the whole.
I hope that all makes sense. I realize that I might be completely off base here.
Suggestions, complaints, scathing criticisms?

[ January 26, 2002: Message edited by: Kuruharan ]