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Aiwendil · 10-10-2002, 02:37 PM

I think that the Flame Imperishable (which equals the Secret Fire) is the creative force of Iluvatar. From a Christian theological perspective, it is the "Holy Spirit" aspect of God. Melkor makes the mistake of thinking that the creative force is something external, so he goes into the void to look for it. He does not know that it is "with Iluvatar"; i.e., it is Iluvatar.

Two things lead me to this assertion:
1. Iluvatar says to the Ainur: "And since I have kindled you with the Flame Imperishable, you shall show forth your powers in adorning this theme . . . " Indicates that it is the Flame Imperishable that allows them to adorn the theme (sub-creation).

2. He says that he shall "send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World, and the World shall Be", equating the existence of the World (as a physical reality rather than a mere vision) with the fact that it contains the Flame Imperishable.

Edit: Lindil seems to have beaten me to it, posting his reply before I had finished writing. I had forgotten the passage in Morgoth's Ring, but it's good to see that my hypothetical explanation is in fact attested.

[ October 10, 2002: Message edited by: Aiwendil ]

10-10-2002, 02:37 PM	#5
Aiwendil Late Istar Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 2,224	I think that the Flame Imperishable (which equals the Secret Fire) is the creative force of Iluvatar. From a Christian theological perspective, it is the "Holy Spirit" aspect of God. Melkor makes the mistake of thinking that the creative force is something external, so he goes into the void to look for it. He does not know that it is "with Iluvatar"; i.e., it is Iluvatar. Two things lead me to this assertion: 1. Iluvatar says to the Ainur: "And since I have kindled you with the Flame Imperishable, you shall show forth your powers in adorning this theme . . . " Indicates that it is the Flame Imperishable that allows them to adorn the theme (sub-creation). 2. He says that he shall "send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World, and the World shall Be", equating the existence of the World (as a physical reality rather than a mere vision) with the fact that it contains the Flame Imperishable. Edit: Lindil seems to have beaten me to it, posting his reply before I had finished writing. I had forgotten the passage in Morgoth's Ring, but it's good to see that my hypothetical explanation is in fact attested. [ October 10, 2002: Message edited by: Aiwendil ]