This is the Tolkienian question I find more fascinating than any other.
A long while back, I did start a thread on this subject, entitled
Hurin and Despair which people currently reading CoH might find interesting.
I am not blowing my own trumpet by recommending a re-read of the thread, as I my own contribution was merely that of instigator. But there are some great analyses here, from fine thinkers such as
Aiwendil, Numenorean and of course your good self,
Davem. *bows*
I love this point, Davem, and agree absolutely.
Quote:
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Yet, it is also (& perhaps fittingly) the finest manifestation of the Northern theory of courage - to fight on without hope in a light at the end of the tunnel - because it ain't a 'tunnel': its a hole -in fact its a grave. One fights on not in hope of victory, or the defeat of the enemy, but simply because fighting an evil enemy is the right thing to do
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Also, the use of irony to highlight evil is very Northern. It only just struck me, now, reading CoH, the irony of Saeros' insult about the women of Hithlum, actually coming true.