morgoth & sauron - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

bombur · 10-09-2002, 05:20 AM

I would not go as far as saying that Morgoth is Dionysian and Sauron Apollonian. For example Morgoth is in many ocasions well and clearly in control of himself. Dionysian charachter generally is driven by whims and desires of the moment. Apollonian/dionysian division signifies much more then just goal of destruction/control. It is madness/reason, art/science, passion/restraint and much much more.

Men are certainly not dionysian in nature in my opinion. They do exhibit some kind of passion, reserve of strenght, that the immortals do not have. But think of eleves flight from Valinor and the Feanors oath. I doubt that men would to such degree allow their destiny be shaped by heat of the moment. And eleves always desired to build and craft. Men desired to rule and be kings. Which of theese is dionysian and which is apollonian?

I am sorry, but I cannot agree with your perception of this division.

Janne Harju

10-09-2002, 05:20 AM	#4
bombur Wight Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: finland Posts: 126	I would not go as far as saying that Morgoth is Dionysian and Sauron Apollonian. For example Morgoth is in many ocasions well and clearly in control of himself. Dionysian charachter generally is driven by whims and desires of the moment. Apollonian/dionysian division signifies much more then just goal of destruction/control. It is madness/reason, art/science, passion/restraint and much much more. Men are certainly not dionysian in nature in my opinion. They do exhibit some kind of passion, reserve of strenght, that the immortals do not have. But think of eleves flight from Valinor and the Feanors oath. I doubt that men would to such degree allow their destiny be shaped by heat of the moment. And eleves always desired to build and craft. Men desired to rule and be kings. Which of theese is dionysian and which is apollonian? I am sorry, but I cannot agree with your perception of this division. Janne Harju