Iluvatar and Melkor.

[Legolas]

A very thought-out post. This is a popular topic as you will find by searching:

Melkor's Choice
Why is Melkor so utterly evil?
Was Sauron evil?
Inherent Evil
Ilúvatar and Melkor
Melkor; Evil by Will or Evil by Nature?
If Eru knew about Melkor, why create him?
the discord of Melkor - harmonius to Iluvatars theme ?
Of Evil, Free will, and Fate (from 'Gollum')
Eru letting Melkor go
Original Sin in Arda
Why Sauron wanted to take over Middle-earth
Sauron's plans for the Dagor Dagorath
Inherent Evil

One basic question asked is this one, essentially...

But see, if Eru was good, then wouldn't he just want to create good characters. Then why can't he control Melkor and make him good? He must have had some sense, and if he knew that Melkor was going to be evil, why did he create him? {From Master of Sauron}

No, he created spirits who had wills separate from his own. He could have controlled Melkor and made him good, but he didn't. Instead, he designed a world in which his will would ultimately be done - all 'dischord' will finally resolve. This is why Melkor was tossed into the Void.

Eru spoke:

And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument, in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.

Part of free will is that one still does not have the power to change what Eru would have happen in the end from the beginning. In every part of his creation exsists his ultimate goodness. It is also important to remember that Melkor didn't simply decide to become evil - it arose out of a desire to imitate his creator. One problem with that - no one else can do that, as shown by Aule's attempt. Aule realized what he had done and repented; Morgoth refused.

I recommend that you check out the Osanwe-kenta and the quotes I provided about this in Of Evil, Free will, and Fate (from 'Gollum'). Please continue discussion on *any* of these threads. There is plenty to read and talk about and many take views and concepts into account that others might not. Closing this duplicate.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:52 PM January 08, 2004: Message edited by: Legolas ]