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***Mithadan*** · 02-23-2001, 07:56 AM

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Spirit of Mist
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Re: The role of Fate in Middle Earth

Actually Underhill, both quotes to an extent are consonant with my general theory. Bilbo, living in the Shire is relatively unaffected by fate. Then he involves himself in the affairs of Gandalf, a Maia whose purposes though then hidden are now clear, and comes into the vicinity of the Ring which is being sought for and called out to by its master, Sauron, another Maia. Bilbo goes from a mundane "human" existence to being wrapped up in the affairs of Maiar and Elves and becomes subject to "fate".

Similarly, Frodo carries the Ring which is again wrapped up in the concerns and affairs of Maiar and the Elves. He too becomes subject to "fate".

When men become involved in the events surrounding beings subject to fate, whether by joining the Noldor in the Wars of Beleriand, or the wars against Sauron, some get wrapped up in fate. Arguably, the history of Numenor is, in its entirety, an example of this. The Numenoreans dwell on an island created and gifted to them by the Valar and their lives are extended beyond the normal limits of men. Perhaps the history which follows is inexorable, set into motion by the acts of the Valar.

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>

02-23-2001, 07:56 AM	#27
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,393	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Spirit of Mist Posts: 642</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: The role of Fate in Middle Earth Actually Underhill, both quotes to an extent are consonant with my general theory. Bilbo, living in the Shire is relatively unaffected by fate. Then he involves himself in the affairs of Gandalf, a Maia whose purposes though then hidden are now clear, and comes into the vicinity of the Ring which is being sought for and called out to by its master, Sauron, another Maia. Bilbo goes from a mundane "human" existence to being wrapped up in the affairs of Maiar and Elves and becomes subject to "fate". Similarly, Frodo carries the Ring which is again wrapped up in the concerns and affairs of Maiar and the Elves. He too becomes subject to "fate". When men become involved in the events surrounding beings subject to fate, whether by joining the Noldor in the Wars of Beleriand, or the wars against Sauron, some get wrapped up in fate. Arguably, the history of Numenor is, in its entirety, an example of this. The Numenoreans dwell on an island created and gifted to them by the Valar and their lives are extended beyond the normal limits of men. Perhaps the history which follows is inexorable, set into motion by the acts of the Valar. --Mithadan-- "The Silmarils with living light were kindled clear, and waxing bright shone like stars that in the North above the reek of earth leap forth." </p> __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.