Here's something that I value in this story that no other stans-alone story* in the legendarium has: the power of tragedy. Not the gentle sadness, and more than just foreboding on the reader's part. It's not even a slap in the face, it's a bucket of cold water.
Not that I dislike the other stories, or think that they are shallow, but their power lies in a different direction.
*I would say that The Sil in it's full is worth of this description as well
Quote:
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Dragons are loved by many readers - what do you think of Glaurung? Is he particularly malicious, or just acting as a dragon must?
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He is described somewhere as Angband's most dangerous weapon (something of this sort), and well earns this title. But he is more than just a weapon. He's like an incarnated piece of Morgoth's evilness and malice.
I am not really sure how to answer the question, though. Is he doing something he decided to do, or is he doing what he was created for? He doesn't have a choice, and he doesn't want a choice. But it would be really interesting to take a peak at what goes on in his mind underneath the cunning.
I was really disappointed that CJRT didn't include the scene when Morwen dies. I understand that, since it's not really about the
Children, but I like to have the family story completed. It's my favourite scene from the whole COH.