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...victims of harsh circumstance.
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Aren't we all...
Perhaps in the beginning, yes, they were good, but it seems these beings -- corrupted elves or simply orcs, whatever you wish to call them -- they enjoy what they do. When were the elves first imprisoned? The First Age. That was the beginning.
Star Jewel's point:
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no race is...completely good.
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No race is completely good, evil dwells in all. The elves were corrupted, already with a seed of evil in them. The Dark Lord was just enough to make it grow. They served him in fear, always, but how many people, evil or good at heart, would not fear a master such as him? Sauron, as any classic Dark Lord, used this fear to turn them into loyal servants.
I do not agree with that quote anymore than I agree with the fact that a race cannot be completely 'evil' either. I guess we must first place a definition to the word 'good', but since that would be an entirely complex and confusing discussion, I will go with a basic idea. I believe more along the lines that all people of all races have the capability of doing evil. But, even when they do evil, they are not completely evil. It is when they indulge in it, or enjoy it. Enjoying it is a big problem. Also, I believe the road to evil can also be paved with fear. (Think Yoda. Just because he's got Fozzy Bear's voice doesn't mean he isn't really wise) Actually, I believe that, in reality, any emotion can lead to the doing of evil, if we let that emotion take control. Even love can lead to it, if we use it in a twisted way seperate from its true meaning. So, there's the fear in the Orcs, the corrupted elves. They follow their master, fearing his wrath, and they kill and pillage as he says. Then they are rewarded. It's like teaching a dog to stop doing something and a trick, at the same time. Soon, anyone or anything that lets their fear take control of them so, will be molded into evil. I believe that all elves, men, hobbits, and dwarves (and all humans in the real world) can control that fear. But, the Elves from Cuivenen, in their tortured and corrupted state, would not be as able to.
Overall, I believe some people/things are truly evil. But for the most part, people are good, if not to a heroic extent. Still, even those people can be heroes...
Also, I will
never pity Orcs. *mumbles* And Gandalf be darned...
Those are just some of my thoughts. I think they might be a bit jumbled, but I have trouble wording my thoughts at times...especailly on a topic so complex and interesting as this. I hope to be back with more! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]
-Durelin
[ July 28, 2003: Message edited by: Durelin ]