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Having never read Smith I cannot post with much authority, but I do know what it is that moves me about the Silmarillion. It is the tragedy about it. The utter tragedy. So many noble figures, paragons of virtue that no mere mortals could aspire to be as (Finrod Felagund, for example. Or Beren), come to such bad ends. Even the tidings of hope are frought with sadness, such as Earėndil's coming into the West, but being never to retrun amongst Men, whom he loves, and following his wife into the "immortality" of the Firstborn. The Silmarillion is probably one of the overall most depressing reads ever, yet it to creates a sense of longing... I never know what it is I long for when I'm done reading it, I just know it's there.
"Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures they have sworn to pursue."
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