Did Tolkien find the idea of war honourable?

[Evisse the Blue]

Joy of battle?

I agree with all the above saying that war was the necessary action to fight evil and bravery was the most appropriate behaviour in times of war, but how about this line:

And then all the host of Rohan burst into song and they sang as they slew for the joy of battle was on them

(from Ride of the Rohirrim).

Joy of battle - somewhat equal to the northern heroism that Squatter mentioned? To me it appears to be more than that. The pacifist in me shudders at the idea of someone singing with joy in the midst of a crude battle...especially the good guys...

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 11:17 AM February 03, 2004: Message edited by: Evisse the Blue ]