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

Eothain Elfwine · 01-28-2004, 01:05 PM

Phantom, the quote you were speaking of is my signature below!
Tolkien hated war, but I believe he saw how war could be necessary. He lived through an unnecessary WWI wherein the lives of a whole generation of young men were wasted. His books clearly show the horror of war and death and destruction. But he also lived through a war where it was necessary to counteract evil, WWII. Was it Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said that all that is necessary for evil to win is for good men to do nothing? The man who goes to war to to defend that which is right and the lives of his fellowmen is an honourable man. Tolkien said he was a hobbit at heart, and you will notice that the hobbits, though some want a little adventure, are very reluctant to take on what war requires when they actually get there. They love their peace and prosperity, but some of them realize that it is necessary to defeat oppressors in order to have that peace. And it is those who do some of the greatest feats of valour and honour. From the way Theoden's character developed, I believe Tolkien thought it more good and honourable for a man to go to a war that was necessary and if need be die in it as Theoden did than to stay home in fear. But he also wrote characters like the hobbits and Faramir, a wise man who said this:

01-28-2004, 01:05 PM	#5
Eothain Elfwine Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Plains of Rohan Posts: 38	Phantom, the quote you were speaking of is my signature below! Tolkien hated war, but I believe he saw how war could be necessary. He lived through an unnecessary WWI wherein the lives of a whole generation of young men were wasted. His books clearly show the horror of war and death and destruction. But he also lived through a war where it was necessary to counteract evil, WWII. Was it Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said that all that is necessary for evil to win is for good men to do nothing? The man who goes to war to to defend that which is right and the lives of his fellowmen is an honourable man. Tolkien said he was a hobbit at heart, and you will notice that the hobbits, though some want a little adventure, are very reluctant to take on what war requires when they actually get there. They love their peace and prosperity, but some of them realize that it is necessary to defeat oppressors in order to have that peace. And it is those who do some of the greatest feats of valour and honour. From the way Theoden's character developed, I believe Tolkien thought it more good and honourable for a man to go to a war that was necessary and if need be die in it as Theoden did than to stay home in fear. But he also wrote characters like the hobbits and Faramir, a wise man who said this: __________________ I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.