[the guy who be short]

Originally Posted by Roa

After all, we all agree that murder and genocide, whatever the culture, is wrong.

Murder is allowed in some cultures in certain circumstances. The USA is one of them - Americans seem content to murder their (often mentally ill) criminals.

We all agree that the mutilation and castration of women, though consider acceptable and even morally right by some cultures, is wrong.

1) That's a contradiction of terms. If it's seen as morally right by some cultures, it cannot be universally agreed that it is evil.

2) How exactly are women castrated?

Originally Posted by Raynor

I don't think we can extend that to the "elves". We don't know who started the actual fighting, and it was all down to Feanor, who drove his men on. Anyway, I was thinking of killing for the sake of killing when I said "unnecessary".

The Noldor started the fighting in the first kinslaying by trying to steal ships. The other two kinslayings were silmaril-related, I believe. None of the kinslayings were necessary.

Is there any account of orcs killing just for the sake of killing? They always seem to justify it somehow in my experience.

As for other things, I don't know what you mean.

That Dwarven Necklace, the name of which I've forgotten...

All too happy to murder?

One example is Celegorm attempting to murder Beren by shooting him when his back was turned. The Elves of Nargothrond also shot anybody - Elf or Man - who approached their gates. That seems pretty inexcusable.