LotR -- Book 5 - Chapter 05 - The Ride of the Rohirrim

[Aldarion Elf-Friend]

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

Do the descriptions of "joy of battle" and singing that was "fair and terrible" strike you as paradox?

I think that the idea of "joy of battle" is not unrelated to the very real phenomonon of "blood lust" that still occurs in the heat of battle to this day. I have not personally fought in a war, but have listened to those who have. They say that in the middle of a firefight, especially when your side is winning, men can lose control of their faculties (become fey, if you will) and essentially go on an unstoppable killing spree that doesn't end until all their enemies (and occasionally some friends) are dead. From what I understand, there is an aspect of "positive" emotion in this, or at least "feel-good" emotion. Thus, "joy" of battle.

What think ye?