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Verlyn Flieger argues that Elves do not have free will in an 'external sense' -- that is, their choices cannot change external outcomes but may have inner consequences for them, as with Feanor choosing not to surrender the Silmarils.
I disagree; but for now I'll generally note that recent editions of Tolkien Studies not only 'debate' the matter of Elves and free will, but one essay provides previously unpublished material from JRRT himself that relates to this matter (presented by Carl Hostetter). While certainly not an attempt to restrict discussion here, I recommend the following three articles on the subject, if you can get them:
A) 'The Music and the Task: Fate and Free Will in Middle-earth'
Verlyn Flieger
B) 'Fate and Free Will'
J.R.R. Tolkien
Carl F. Hostetter
(both in volume VI)
C) 'Strange and free' —On Some Aspects of the Nature of Elves and Men
Thomas Fornet-Ponse
(volume VII)
I especially recommend B for the 'new' descriptions from JRRT!
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