Quote:
|
...much like I think that Sauron, Melkor, Gollum and Saruman...
|
I don't think it is very fair to place Feanor in comparison with these four characters. Feanor had some flawed, in our opinions, views near the end, but they certainly were not anywhere near as evil as these four. He was after all, still a very noble, powerful elf.
As far as the Silmarils and his unwilling to let them go, what do you expect. Morgoth himself desire these above all other object in Middle Earth. The Valar themselves loved them dearly. If such powerful beings that never desired physical objects, found these jewels fantastic, how do you think an elf would react, especially the maker. He was very protective over his own work. True the light from these jewels came from the trees of Yavanna, but Feanor was so blinded by his lust over his own craftsmanship, no one could reason with him.
You have to consider Melkor's interference as well. He is what really tipped the scales in Feanor's case. He put those seeds of evil thought into Feanor's head, and then stole them and
killed Feanor's dad, whom he loved above all other things. I believe Feanor loved his dad more than the Silmarils. If all this happened to you, I think you'd blow up too. You have to look at the bigger picture than just Feanor.
Tolkien did not say elves were perfect. Elves have just about the same emotions as men, and many act on these emotions just as men do. Feanor had an extremely strong fire within him, so that reflects outwardly in his actions and his character.
Feanor was the greatest of the
Noldor, I don't think Tolkien specifically stated he was the greatese elf. But I could be wrong (please tell me if I am). The Noldor were known for their stubborness, in comparison to the Teleri and Vanyar (i.e. Turgon's over confidence in Gondolin). Since Feanor was the greatest Noldor, than he'd probably be the most stubborn, don't you think.