Very interesting thread, Squatter ! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
As you have suggested, it would be a good idea to try to find examples of the Seven Contrary virtues in Tolkien stories. Humility vs. Pride; Kindness vs. Envy; Abstinence vs. Gluttony; Chastity vs. Lust; Patience vs. Wrath; Liberality vs. Greed; and Diligence vs. Sloth. But this is much more difficult than finding representatives of the Deadly Sins, because of the marring of Arda [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]
For the moment, I have only found the first couple Sin/Virtue: Pride/Humility, I think that a good example for this are Saruman and Gandalf.
Saruman is proud, thinks he is the most intelligent of all Istari, the only one that can match Sauron; undervalues Gandalf and Radagast, instead of counting on them; and that leads him to his fall.
On the other hand, Gandalf is humble, he accepts Saruman as the chief of the order (although we are told that Olorin is the most powerful of them); he likes to be with 'lesser creatures' like hobbits, and doesn't think he is wasting his time in doing it; and finally, he accepts his destiny in Moria, and that leads him to the final success on his mission. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
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But it is said that not until that hour had such cold thoughts ruled Finrod; for indeed she whom he had loved was Amarië of the Vanyar, and she went not with him into exile.
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