What happened to Beleriand? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mark12_30 · 07-15-2002, 07:59 AM

Re: the eagles, the impression that I got is that they are closely connected to Manwe (air, sky, spirit...) I think it was in the Silm that got mentioned a couple of times. It seems to me that Manwe watches, waiting, and when the folks on the ground have done what they can, and are almost there but in a tight fix, Manwe has mercy and sends the eagles. That was my impression. So is it a Deux Es Machina, or is it "Manwe finally decided to give us a hand at last??" And... which is more frustrating? I guess with Manwe in the picture, I at least feel that there is character development going on, and heroism matters. The hero has to get most of the way there, and show some serious character, and motivation and courage.

There's just some supernatural assistance to push things over the edge when it gets a bit tight.

That fits in, really, with the catholic view of divine assistance-- you gotta earn it by doing your part-- and Tolkien was catholic. It's not quite "God helps them who help themselves", it's more like "Show God you are serious before you ask him to join your team." (Or something like that.)

[ July 15, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

07-15-2002, 07:59 AM	#11
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Re: the eagles, the impression that I got is that they are closely connected to Manwe (air, sky, spirit...) I think it was in the Silm that got mentioned a couple of times. It seems to me that Manwe watches, waiting, and when the folks on the ground have done what they can, and are almost there but in a tight fix, Manwe has mercy and sends the eagles. That was my impression. So is it a Deux Es Machina, or is it "Manwe finally decided to give us a hand at last??" And... which is more frustrating? I guess with Manwe in the picture, I at least feel that there is character development going on, and heroism matters. The hero has to get most of the way there, and show some serious character, and motivation and courage. There's just some supernatural assistance to push things over the edge when it gets a bit tight. That fits in, really, with the catholic view of divine assistance-- you gotta earn it by doing your part-- and Tolkien was catholic. It's not quite "God helps them who help themselves", it's more like "Show God you are serious before you ask him to join your team." (Or something like that.) [ July 15, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.