[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Chance? Or the deliberate intervention of the Valar?

I'm rereading the Silm for the first time since 1983, so be patient as the rusty wheels turn.

The Valar, Maiar and in fact the elves too by the third age, avoided the path of directing change, seeing in it the path of Melkor. They would not cause Frodo to decide, for example, whether to take the ring to Orodruin or no, but left it to him.

If their power over chance were so complete, Frodo would have had an easier time of it. And Melkor would never have been such a problem in the first place.

There is such a thing as having great power, and yet remaining helpless. For example, you or I have great power in controlling the conditions of our lives, we have thermostats, we can choose the food we like and have it delivered. Yet despite our power in our own circle of influence, we can't help an ant with a broken leg. We can throw it a crumb, but saving it is beyond our power. I think I understand Nienna's grief.

Such help however, as a pool of water in need, or the gentle assist down Rauros is in keeping with their means. Much like that crumb is within our ability.

But I agree with Zif, doubt it was Ulmo, in the case of the water in Mordor (though certainly it was he at Rauros). Remember, it was rainwater caught in Mordor.. now who would that be?

-Maril (Not Marile, though I did think of that Sharku, but felt I preferred the masculine form. After all, there are plenty of female Michele's with the masculine one-'L' spelling. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img])

[ March 19, 2002: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]