Tolkien vocabulary I (serious)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I would like to pick up this thread to comment on the use of the word "doom" by Tolkien. KayQy and Mister Underhill already mentioned it, latter as being used to signify decision or judgement. While rereading LotR in the last weeks, I realized that the word does not have the completely negative connotation we give it nowadays. We think of doom as a downfall, disaster, ruin... I find it is used more like we would use the word "fate" - the Doom of Men is often spoken of. There are many other examples; I would like to quote several from The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen (appendix A):

...maybe my doom will be not unlike hers. (Arwen to Aragorn)

A great doom awaits you, either to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin. (Elrond to Aragorn)

...the doom that is laid upon us. (Elrond to Aragorn)

...her choice was made and her doom appointed. (of Arwen)

Especially the second quote shows that "doom" does not necessarily mean a terrible fate; it could end in glory!