Providence in LOTR?

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Hullo mark 12_30:

The quote you are thinking of is this one where Ilúvatar speaks, in the Ainulindalë:

And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.

The way I look at the interplay between doom and free will is this: Destiny is the stage we are given, free will is how we choose to act upon that stage.

BTW, I greatly enjoyed your comments over on the "Elucidation of Truth" thread. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

At your Service,

Gandalf the Grey