The gods must be... blind? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Mithadan*** · 07-25-2010, 09:29 AM

I was recently reading the Music of the Ainur in Ainulindale, and came across a sentence that I found odd. Following the cessation of the Music, Eru shows the Ainur a vision of their music, "giving them sight where before was only hearing..." Rereading the pragraph again, Iinitially concluded that Tolkien was referring to the Void; that before there had been no light, and therefore no sight, in the Void.

A few pages later, again referring to the vision, Tolkien says, speaking of the Ainur, "and their hearts rejoiced in light, and their eyes beholding many colours were filled with gladness..." Now I question my interpretation. Before the vision, were the Ainur sightless, whether due to a lack of light or otherwise?

07-25-2010, 09:29 AM	#1
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,393	The gods must be... blind? I was recently reading the Music of the Ainur in Ainulindale, and came across a sentence that I found odd. Following the cessation of the Music, Eru shows the Ainur a vision of their music, "giving them sight where before was only hearing..." Rereading the pragraph again, Iinitially concluded that Tolkien was referring to the Void; that before there had been no light, and therefore no sight, in the Void. A few pages later, again referring to the vision, Tolkien says, speaking of the Ainur, "and their hearts rejoiced in light, and their eyes beholding many colours were filled with gladness..." Now I question my interpretation. Before the vision, were the Ainur sightless, whether due to a lack of light or otherwise? __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.