I think the roles of the different Valar in the Unchaining of Melkor are interesting.
There's Nienna, who actively supports Melkor.
Quote:
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and those who hearken to her learn pity, and endurance in hope. ~Valaquenta
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Pity and hope are maybe the most central ideas in the Lord of the Rings, but here they lead the wrong way and allow evil to return. Does this imply that pity and hope have their limitations in J.R.R. Tolkien's view, or is this just due to the different theme and context of the Silmarillion? Even though she was fooled in the end, the mention of Nienna aiding Melkor moves me. More than anybody she grieved for the wounds of Melkor's deeds, yet she also grieves for Melkor himself.
*sigh*
Then there's Manwë. Interesting idea that he is said to be 'free of evil' and therefore too good to understand evil. Since Ulmo and Tulkas aren't deceived, does it follow that they
aren't free of evil? Granted, Tulkas is just too mulish to forgive Melkor, but Ulmo seems to know very well whom he is not trusting.
And by the way, a dollar for the thoughts of silent Mandos.
