The Seven Deadly Sins in Middle-earth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Dancing_Hobbit · 08-17-2003, 02:19 PM

i don't think Tolkien purposefully worked the seven deadly sins into the books, but i am sure that sort of thing would have been at the back of his mind somewhere and just naturally worked itself in. pride especially is very common in mythology both as a good thing and as a bad. we find both in Tolkien. the elves, dwarves and humans especially tend to be very proud. while this can lead to problems, as you suggested, it can also be an admirable characteristic. one of Gollum's faults was his LACK of pride, which caused him to be willing to live his live sneaking, stealing and murdering. admitedly that was partially the ring's fault, but it can also be atributed to his not taking pride in himself and his actions. as to the story of Turin and Nienor, it seems to be and adaptation of the Oedipus story.

i'm afraid i'm not quite sure what i'm trying to say here, i'm just sort of thinking out loud. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] you have a very intersting theory, though. congrats, and i enjoyed reading your post. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

08-17-2003, 02:19 PM	#2
Dancing_Hobbit Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2003 Location: A fairyland of mists and shadows deep in the emerald wood. Posts: 56	i don't think Tolkien purposefully worked the seven deadly sins into the books, but i am sure that sort of thing would have been at the back of his mind somewhere and just naturally worked itself in. pride especially is very common in mythology both as a good thing and as a bad. we find both in Tolkien. the elves, dwarves and humans especially tend to be very proud. while this can lead to problems, as you suggested, it can also be an admirable characteristic. one of Gollum's faults was his LACK of pride, which caused him to be willing to live his live sneaking, stealing and murdering. admitedly that was partially the ring's fault, but it can also be atributed to his not taking pride in himself and his actions. as to the story of Turin and Nienor, it seems to be and adaptation of the Oedipus story. i'm afraid i'm not quite sure what i'm trying to say here, i'm just sort of thinking out loud. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] you have a very intersting theory, though. congrats, and i enjoyed reading your post. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ Hobbits bow to nobody! ...Except their plates...