[akhtene]

Perhaps my opinion will be too human (and too emotional) but here it is.

Nobody was thinking rationally at any given moment, or trying to really come to any reasonable terms.

There are victims, yes, but I wouldn’t call any party straightaway villains.
Take Feanor. Cherished by his father, admired by everyone, used to having things his own way – in a moment he loses everything! First the Trees are destroyed – and he must have admired them, as he included their light in his gems. Then his father is killed and his treasure is stolen – he just hadn’t been prepared to that! He gets a most severe shock and is simply unable to think or choose words.

The Valar. They seem too placid sitting there in the Ring of Doom, weeping. They were mourning the Trees, but wasn’t it their responsibility to guard and guide the elves and do something about a case of vandalism, murder and theft, which occurred in their lands? How come that it was bitter and furious Feanor who addressed his people first? I suppose the Valar were taken unawares, but then it looks as if they just took offence. Feanor really sounded harsh and called to unwise actions, he was taking too much upon himself. But no help was offered or counsel came from the Valar. You may say it was a matter of faith. Feanor lost it.

Moreover, by Manwe’s curse Feanor wasn’t given any choice. He was exiled and had to leave Valinor. Can you imagine Feanor begging for mercy right away? But again, he wasn’t given any time to calm down and come to his senses. It was like an avalanche – every next moment driving him further by the road of rejection and hatred.

As for Telleri, they were in their right to refuse any help and refer to the Valar’s wish to justify themselves. And they could pronounse their ships the greatest treasure of their kin. But then the Noldor were after THEIR treasure, and the only hope to reach it was by those ships. If only Telleri would look for compromise or play for time. But no, Olwe’s words were not less arrogant than Feanor’s.

Anyway, wasn’t all that just Eru’s intention to return elves back to M-E, to face Morgoth and fight him, without a chance to desert to comforts of Valinor? [img]smilies/evil.gif[/img]