Eöl

[Kuruharan]

You might be interested in this thread, which discusses Aredhel at some length.

I was initially skeptical of the viewpoint that Eol only married Aredhel primarily because of his lust. However, after further review, I've changed my mind. The way that he tried to control her indicates that to some extent he viewed her, and Maeglin as well, as possessions rather than as people. I think that if Eol had been more concerned about her as a person he would have discussed with her rather than decreed to her.

However, this type of thing is no uncommon problem between people.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

That's right Kuru, this tale is truly applicable in our world.

[Lalwendë]

I often think of Turgon and Eol as being like two immovable political forces - they remind me of the aboriginal inhabitant of a country versus the more powerful settlers; we see Eol with his mysterious dreamlike powers, and Turgon with his political and military power. And I also think of Mike Leigh films with the whole sorry tale of power in family relationships.

I think that if Eol had been more concerned about her as a person he would have discussed with her rather than decreed to her.

Very true, and there lies the difference between Eol and Turgon, although once Turgon had her back, he wasn't going to allow her to go again - all for the protection of his territory.

[Kuruharan]

Well, in fairness to Turgon, protecting his territory meant more than defending the piece of ground. It also meant protecting the lives of his people, for whom he bore responsibility.

Seeing at it from his perspective, look at all the trouble letting her go caused. In fact, it ultimately did cause the fall of Gondolin.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Although this whole Eol/Maeglin business really only speeded it up. Morgoth was growing in strength all the time.

[the phantom]

Seeing at it from his perspective, look at all the trouble letting her go caused. In fact, it ultimately did cause the fall of Gondolin.

Yes. Everyone who thinks Turgon's enforcement of law was too tough would do well to remember that it was his lack of strict enforcement in his sister's case that brought Gondolin to ruin.

[*Varda*]

Eol seemingly did little wrong in taking her as his wife. She was wandering alone, in his woodland, and he merely set an enchantment making it difficult for her to leave the wood; it does not say that he charmed her into the actual marriage so we must presume she was willing.

Fair enough, she wandered into his woods. That doesn't mean she was willing to marry someone she'd never met.

To me, making it near impossible for her to leave again is hardly a little thing to do - I don't think it makes him evil, but he was setting up the situation to best suit him. It didn't seem to be Aredhel's choice, although she seemed to be happy enough with her life thereafter.

It is not said that Aredhel was wholly unwilling

She may not have been completely against it, but 'wholly unwilling' doesn't make her sound very certain of it either.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Like, I was attacked by a Warg, but it wasn't the worst thing that could have happened...

The style of the sentence definitely suggests that it wasn't what Aredhel wanted.