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Originally Posted by Galadriel55
Maybe they can only do evil because they only know evil? They have no experience of ever doing anything good.
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Yet, if we accept that they were originally Children of Ilúvatar, they they do retain in their hearts the
ability to abjure evil deeds. In that case, the standard of judgement would be the same for them as the other Children. Bad environments can only take so much of the blame. Túrin was raised in Doriath with the most noble and wise foster-parents he could have had, and still committed an unforgivable act of murder against Brandir. Tuor grew up in slavery and still managed to keep on the "good" path. The choice for good might be harder for some than for others, but ultimately the individual is responsible. I think the true measure of any one Orc could only be seen after the downfall of Sauron. Some would keep to evil, but I feel sure some could be taught how to live in peace.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Galadriel55
And "freedom to do evil" also has choices: to do it, or to do nothing (ie not good and not evil). I'm not really sure where I'm leading with this, but I think it's a valuable point.
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Intentions come into play also. An Orc who took genuine delight in torture and murder would, in my mind, be more "evil" than one of the smaller breeds who might well have an affinity for cruelty, but who mainly acted in Sauron's service out of fear. Committing evil to avoid personal harm is ultimately not an excuse though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Galadriel55
If you think that Tolkien's characters are black and white, then you are greatly mistaken. There isn't one that is either.
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I think I would certainly put Morgoth in the "black" category. He had so much knowledge of Ilúvatar's plans and deliberately set out to thwart them.
I would also put Gandalf in the "white" category, and probably Aragorn and Faramir also. All three are given clear choices to embrace evil, and choose good instead.