Is The Silmarillion a "downer" - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Tuor of Gondolin · 02-21-2005, 07:27 PM

My view of The Silmarillion is not unlike that of Aiwindil, it seems to "end" on a generally positive note, including "justice" for the sons of Feanor, with the sad
final inability of maglor to get Maedhros to stop their efforts to get the Silmarils.

And, as was observed above, it is interesting that the Silmarillion ending is
really more upbeat then LOTR's.

Which is why I find all the more curious Tolkien's portrayal of The Silmarillion.

drigel · 02-22-2005, 08:22 AM

For me (and already noted above), the Silm's themes that are touched upon are wrapped around the Fall from grace, and the Loss of perfection. First with the Vala, then trickling down to all other sentient beings. Tragic enough, yet compelling to account the Heroics in which the players engage in. Men (IMO) is where the optimistism turns it around. Grim work yes - from the very beginning men find themselves on an already dirty battlefield. Here we find another tragedy: the beginning of the end for the elves. But in the second born we see Hope.

As in most Heroic sagas, Tragedy and Heroism are mutual partners. You cant have one without the other.

02-21-2005, 07:27 PM	#1
Tuor of Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, WtR, passed Sarn Gebir: Above the rapids (1239 miles) BtR, passed Black Rider Stopping Place (31 miles) Posts: 1,548	My view of The Silmarillion is not unlike that of Aiwindil, it seems to "end" on a generally positive note, including "justice" for the sons of Feanor, with the sad final inability of maglor to get Maedhros to stop their efforts to get the Silmarils. And, as was observed above, it is interesting that the Silmarillion ending is really more upbeat then LOTR's. Which is why I find all the more curious Tolkien's portrayal of The Silmarillion. __________________ Aure Entuluva!

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02-22-2005, 08:22 AM	#2
drigel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: commonplace city Posts: 518	For me (and already noted above), the Silm's themes that are touched upon are wrapped around the Fall from grace, and the Loss of perfection. First with the Vala, then trickling down to all other sentient beings. Tragic enough, yet compelling to account the Heroics in which the players engage in. Men (IMO) is where the optimistism turns it around. Grim work yes - from the very beginning men find themselves on an already dirty battlefield. Here we find another tragedy: the beginning of the end for the elves. But in the second born we see Hope. As in most Heroic sagas, Tragedy and Heroism are mutual partners. You cant have one without the other.