The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Did Tolkien find the idea of war honourable?

the phantom · 01-28-2004, 12:27 PM

For one thing, most "esteemed and honoured men" from LOTR had to be warriors. You see, esteemed and honoured men usually were leaders of their people, and one of the primary duties of the leaders in Middle-Earth was to protect their people from evil (Sauron and his buddies). And how do you protect your people from Sauron? You fight him.

Who do you want leading you into battle? An inept fighter? Obviously not.

But did Tolkien think that war was honourable? I doubt it. You see, it has to do with cause.

I recall a quote from LOTR where Faramir says that he doesn't love fighting, but rather he loves what he is fighting for.

That's where the honor comes from- the cause.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:30 PM January 28, 2004: Message edited by: the phantom ]

01-28-2004, 12:27 PM	#2
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	For one thing, most "esteemed and honoured men" from LOTR had to be warriors. You see, esteemed and honoured men usually were leaders of their people, and one of the primary duties of the leaders in Middle-Earth was to protect their people from evil (Sauron and his buddies). And how do you protect your people from Sauron? You fight him. Who do you want leading you into battle? An inept fighter? Obviously not. But did Tolkien think that war was honourable? I doubt it. You see, it has to do with cause. I recall a quote from LOTR where Faramir says that he doesn't love fighting, but rather he loves what he is fighting for. That's where the honor comes from- the cause. <font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:30 PM January 28, 2004: Message edited by: the phantom ] __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.