[Guinevere]

Well, as I wrote, these were my first impressions. I still am not really fond of tragedies, but after reading the story in U.T. I appreciate it much more. In a way it is even more heartbreaking when you get to know the characters so closely and care about them!

Since I have read a lot more of and about Tolkien I've come to think that Tolkien's works, especially the Silmarillion, are partly his own way of pondering over those questions that engage us all: about death and immortality, good and evil, free will and providence and the meaning of suffering and injustice in the world.

In a way, the tragic stories are more realistic than the happy ones. Just read history (“a long defeat” indeed!) or listen to the news every day –it could lead one to despair!

And that's also the reason why I prefer stories that "lift up the heart"! ( see my signature)