New to the board. This is a great discussion! I consider the fire of Feanor to be a virtue only because of what the Silmarils represented. If it was a beautifully wrought sword that caused this vow and arrogance I would think otherwise. However, this was the light of Valar that could never, we presume, be reproduced. In this way, I believe, Tolkien partially justifies Feanor's misdeeds. Yes there was arrogance and pride etc., but it was the pursuit of something of his that brought his people closer to God or whatever description you give to the Theology of middle earth. I almost thought of Feanor's quest as a crusade and not just a misguided obsession with his own art.
Now obviously there were transgressions, i.e. the ships at Losgar but maybe there is some applicability in that as well with regard to fanatical behavior in the name of God. Thoughts?
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