Rings of Power & Osanwe-Kenta

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

. . .This leads on to one of the many ideas I had after reading Osanwe-kenta, the possibility that Orcs were created by entering the thoughts of innocent Elves (as in, innocent minded, even maybe naive) and enslaved. As the essay states, those who were aware of Melkor were those he most sought to enslave, yet found it hardest to trap; for this reason he made use of language.

Would it be inappropriate if I suggested this idea might profitably be applied to another of our discussions? It would seem here that Tolkien does not admire or advise a wilful blindness to evil. Those who are aware of the existence of evil are those most able to recognise when they are being enticed or manipulated or led away. Knowing how evil operates means one is better able to stand up to it. Those who do not understand evil's existence are those most vulnerable to it.

Would not this suggest that Tolkien would not want readers to shy away from certain knowledge of the orcs' treatment of Celebrian? He intends readers to recognise evil when it is suggested, to educate them, as it were, in its more vile means? I'm referring, of course, to the thread "Celebrian's Misfortunes."

Just a thought.