The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Seven Deadly Sins in Middle-earth

Aredhel Idril Telcontar · 08-22-2003, 10:23 PM

I personally agree with everyone's ideas in this post. Come to think of it, one might suggest the whole thing being plain old 'common sense', i.e. overwhelming pride leads to downfall etc.
There are many examples of sins/virtues in most decent pieces of writing, but Tolkien, once again, gave it a special flavour.
Yes, pride does seem to be the 'biggest' sin in Tolkien's writings, from creatures like Melkor - overwhelming pride, to creatures like Gollum - no pride at all.
That can be seen as 'Catholic morals', humility being superior to pride in the long run (living in a country where 80%+ people are Catholics, and being one myself, seems to make that impression).

-Aredhel

08-22-2003, 10:23 PM	#17
Aredhel Idril Telcontar Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hanging on a sheer cliff with Maedhros Posts: 113	I personally agree with everyone's ideas in this post. Come to think of it, one might suggest the whole thing being plain old 'common sense', i.e. overwhelming pride leads to downfall etc. There are many examples of sins/virtues in most decent pieces of writing, but Tolkien, once again, gave it a special flavour. Yes, pride does seem to be the 'biggest' sin in Tolkien's writings, from creatures like Melkor - overwhelming pride, to creatures like Gollum - no pride at all. That can be seen as 'Catholic morals', humility being superior to pride in the long run (living in a country where 80%+ people are Catholics, and being one myself, seems to make that impression). -Aredhel __________________ "I am your sister and not your servant, and beyond your bounds I will go as seems good to me." Tai uzdaryk mane Tevyne savyje/kaip giesme gerkleje mirtis uzdaro/ ir kaip uzdaro vakara naktis/ o Tu man atsakai: as Tavo laisve