Keneldil, it is said in the Silm that Finwe and Elwe were especially close. This accounts for Finwe's especial concern.
Gwaihir posted
Quote:
Lindil, when you say that the Vanyar had the highest civilisation, I must say I disagree. It was the happiest -- it was in Valinor, so of course it was -- but the Noldor's civilisation there and in Middle-Earth wasn't below theirs by any means. In Middle-Earth, the Noldor were concerned primarily with war, and could not afford to build great, light and 'height of civilisation' cities. The only exceptions, just about, were Rivendell and Gondolin, and considering that they were in Middle-Earth I think the Noldor did pretty well.
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Actually , though we are not told, I rather imagine Caras Galadon as we glimpse it in FotR was [designed] built by the Noldorin refugees from Eregion.
And it far surpasses Imladris.
However I was not refering to 'height of civilization cities', but to culture, and dwelling always near the highest of the Valar get's it in my book.
The Vanyar
did that which no other culture is reputed ot have done. They found the highest [literally and figurativly in JRRT's world] and clung to it. They were obedient to it, and were not tempted by darkness [either Melkor's lies or the desperation of the Noldor and the poisoned words of Feanor that enthralled even those of noble heart like Finrod.
Granted many do noble and heroic things, but ultimately they are told point blank that they will fail and suffer for it and they go ahead [90% or so] and do it anyway.
I do not see how a fallen race of heroes and kin-slayers, despite finding their tales more interesting than the Vanyars are in any truly important sense [and here is of course the value judgement upon which the whole thread hangs].
Also thorondil - If fighting Morgoth can make one great, then who is 'greater' from it? the Vanyar who won or the Noldor who lost [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
But I will rest my case such as it is - on a fact I mentioned that no one has commented upon, but which I believe central:
The Noldor are repeatedly described in the Letters as 'fallen'. The Vanyar are the antithesis of this - they never fall, they live in peace and wisdom at the feet of the King and Queen of the Valar. They fight when it is truly the right time to do so.
To paraphrase Faramir [and unlike the Noldor as a gross generalization]
"[The Vanyar]love the sword for that which it protects... not for itself".
If I have to live for the duration of the Earth I would much rather do so with a pure conscience.
[ November 18, 2002: Message edited by: lindil ]