[Nikkolas]

The problem I take with the Valar is that the narrative does not make note of their flaws. It comments, quite often, on what the failings of Feanor and his sons were. But of the Valar? Constant hyperbole about their splendor and wonderfulness and blah blah blah.

I don't see it. i see a group of very powerful beings who are as flawed as any Elf or Man. In fact I find many of their acts, or thoughts, reprehensible. When Aulë made the Dwarves and was confronted by Eru, he was willing to kill them all. Oh sure he felt bad, but he was willing to commit genocide on his own utterly helpless creations.

What divinely good being would do such a thing?

And thanks for the welcome Galadriel.

Originally Posted by Morthoron

First of all, I must say that the title of this piece is rather over the top. I would say that it might be wise to lighten the tone (saying "suck" is a bit much) before someone does it for you.

Perhaps it was a bit much. My apologies.

Hmmm..."screw you everyone"? Again, laying it on a bit thick, aren't you? The only reason she shed her Maiaric persona and appeared in mortal raiment was because of her love for Thingol. Has it ever occurred to you that Melian was deep in mourning and perhaps incapable of retaining her protection around Doriath? The traumatic death of a husband or wife can be debilitating, perhaps even for a Maia.

Oh it certainly has occurred to me. Just as it occurred to me that Fingolfin was deep in mourning when he went to challenge Morgoth. He needlessly sacrificed his life.

This is a time of war. People are mourning everywhere. Melian is not the first monarch to lose someone she loves.

If she was a true queen and cared about her people, she would not have left them defenseless.

Originally Posted by Inziladun

And the reason that his mission, as opposed to Eärendil's, was unsuccessful, was the simple fact that Eärendil had already gone to bat for the world in that way. A second time would not be the same, as Amandil himself well knew.

And why was it unsuccessful? Why did the Valar and Eru Himself slaughter helpless women and children?
This is not simply a case of "And Man Grew Proud." It's a case of "And Man...were Men and then were used by a being with powers and abilities far beyond their own. A being who is only at large because the gods were inept."

In The Silmarillion I admire most characters like Turin. It is made very clear that he is flawed and yet he is also heroic. There is no pretense of great pureness there.

Speaking of which, I need to get to The Children of Hurin. it goes into greater detail of his life and character, right?