The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Why are the Vanyar higher than the Noldor?

obloquy · 03-01-2003, 11:48 AM

Seriously, Maedhros, think about what you're saying.

First of all, you completely missed my point: just because Tolkien didn't write volumes on the accomplishments of the Vanyar doesn't mean they didn't do anything noteworthy.

Secondly, you're asserting that the rebellion of the Noldor, and the atrocities that sprung from that, should be considered progress; an enrichment of Middle-earth. Hah! Violent uprisings are not progress in themselves, and are far more contemptible still when they bring no future good. Kinslayings! Treacheries! Bloodthirsty warmongering! Greed! Progress indeed.

I am not saying they were a worthless tribe -- far from it. Particularly honorable were the houses of Fingolfin and Finarfin. The fact is, however, that all the good they did could have been accomplished without all the bad. The Vanyar's steadfastness of spirit and contentment sets them far above the Noldor in the reckoning of virtuous peoples. I think that is plain to see.

Edit: Excellent post, lindil. I'd love to see that essay get written. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ March 01, 2003: Message edited by: obloquy ]

03-01-2003, 11:48 AM	#12
obloquy Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: WA Posts: 941	Seriously, Maedhros, think about what you're saying. First of all, you completely missed my point: just because Tolkien didn't write volumes on the accomplishments of the Vanyar doesn't mean they didn't do anything noteworthy. Secondly, you're asserting that the rebellion of the Noldor, and the atrocities that sprung from that, should be considered progress; an enrichment of Middle-earth. Hah! Violent uprisings are not progress in themselves, and are far more contemptible still when they bring no future good. Kinslayings! Treacheries! Bloodthirsty warmongering! Greed! Progress indeed. I am not saying they were a worthless tribe -- far from it. Particularly honorable were the houses of Fingolfin and Finarfin. The fact is, however, that all the good they did could have been accomplished without all the bad. The Vanyar's steadfastness of spirit and contentment sets them far above the Noldor in the reckoning of virtuous peoples. I think that is plain to see. Edit: Excellent post, lindil. I'd love to see that essay get written. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [ March 01, 2003: Message edited by: obloquy ]