[the phantom]

Maedhros had many good points.

First, when they burned the ships at Losgar, he stood by himself and had no part in it, wishing instead that a few should ferry the ships back on bear over the rest of the Noldor and especially his friend Fingon.

Second, he made peace with Fingolfin and his house. He passed the Kingship to him also, which I don't think I would've been able to do.

Third, he was quite a fighter. I recall a couple of instances where he was at his fortress on Himring fighting, and his enemies "fled before his face". In that same section it mentioned how he burned with a hot flame.

Fourth, one that really impressed me, is where he chose to dwell and why. It said in the Silmarilion that because of the wide open pass over there by the sources of the Gelion, that Melkor's heaviest blows would very likely fall there, and it said that Maedhros was willing to take this upon himself.

Fifth, the book said he was watchful and vigilant, and seemed to be a good strategist. He was, after all, the one who planned the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, and they would've won it if the men under his command wouldn't have rebelled. Also, I recall one time that Morgoth attempted to catch Fingolfin and Fingon by surprise. It said he went after them because "he knew of the vigilance of Maedhros".

Maedhros was a pretty cool guy!

[ December 12, 2002: Message edited by: the phantom ]