[Carannillion]

In Tolkien's world/works, there is clearly evil at work, originating from Melkor, but as it is said in Ainulindalë:
"Then Ilúvatar spoke, and he said: 'Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that nullnullI am Ilúvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he hinmself hath not imagined.'"

Evil (or what we perceive as evil) in Eä originates from Melkor; his envy and desire for dominion and mastery makes his mind twisted and corrupted, so that after a while, anything he does is in mockery of the other Valar. He either destroys what they have built, or he alters it (elves turned into orcs...). BUT, as Ilúvatar said, everything will simply turn into another piece in his grand design, which only he knows the end of. Now - and this has also been discussed regarding God, Allah, or whatever deity you might believe or not believe in - does this mean that Ilúvatar has evil in his being? If not, why does he then allow Melkor to go on the way he does? Why allow Melkor to torment his children like this?

Just a few thoughts from a newcomer to this forum. Please hit me with my own words, should they be wrong [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

This discussion could be dragged out in all eternity, i suspect... [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]