Feanor - Overrated?

[Lyta_Underhill]

He cannot be absolved of blame simply by reference to the influence of Morgoth. Those who, whether by fear or through lies and deceit, are influenced by another to commit attrocities must nevertheless accept responsibility for their own actions.

And pay he would...I would never seek to absolve Fëanor for his misdeeds for which he was unrepentant. I simply choose to remember the bright, shining Fëanor, before his marring by Morgoth, before his terrible deeds. He is the burning lamp that one should not delve too deeply into, lest one is burned oneself. I would not seek to take Fëanor's later deeds as an example or lesson in greatness, but his former ones, his great artistic achievements.

The arguments for and against the advisability of the return on the part of the Elves to Middle Earth notwithstanding, the final decision should never have been forced to its terrible conclusion at Alqualondë. I still say Fëanor was a powerful force for the fulfillment of the Will of Eru in Arda, but, then again, so was Morgoth. There is nothing you can create, work or destroy that does not have its uttermost source in Eru and his design; and I hold to my belief that a great deal of that energy was focused in Fëanor, for good AND ill. But yes, Saucepan Man, I agree that he must be held responsible for all his deeds, great and terrible.

The ones I feel for most in this matter are Fëanor's sons, mainly Maedhros and Maglor, for they perceived the futility of the Oath they had taken, and yet they were constrained to fulfill it to their own ruin. Makes me sad... [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

Cheers,
Lyta

[ July 29, 2003: Message edited by: Lyta_Underhill ]