Lord of the Nazgul - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Turambar · 11-28-2001, 06:47 AM

Regarding Sharkû's point about fatalistic or moribund courage making one not a "living man" -- there is some support for this view in Tolkien's frequent use of the word "fey" in describing extreme, reckless courage. "Fey" means both "doomed to die" and "otherwordly" (and its etymology is related to "foe".) Féanor, when he presses on beyond his troops in the 2d battle, is described as fey, and he is unstoppable until surrounded by a host of orcs. Fingolfin might also be deribed as fey when he rides to confront Morgoth (I can't remember). (Does anyone remember other uses of this word? Turin maybe?) Merry and Eowyn are not described as fey, but the idea is used elsewhere.

11-28-2001, 06:47 AM	#20
Turambar Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Non-Stop Home Posts: 859	Regarding Sharkû's point about fatalistic or moribund courage making one not a "living man" -- there is some support for this view in Tolkien's frequent use of the word "fey" in describing extreme, reckless courage. "Fey" means both "doomed to die" and "otherwordly" (and its etymology is related to "foe".) Féanor, when he presses on beyond his troops in the 2d battle, is described as fey, and he is unstoppable until surrounded by a host of orcs. Fingolfin might also be deribed as fey when he rides to confront Morgoth (I can't remember). (Does anyone remember other uses of this word? Turin maybe?) Merry and Eowyn are not described as fey, but the idea is used elsewhere. __________________ In the upper air the fireflies move more slowly.