Enemies

[davem]

Another thought occurs - what message does the reader take from Tolkien's work as regards war - its often stated that Tolkien's work reflects the tragedy of war - but is it so simple?

Of course tragedy runs through Tolkien's writings & that tragedy is often associated with the consequences of war...& yet...

War is only presented as tragic when the heroes ('our side') lose. When the other side lose it is seen as good, as glorious. So, war, in & of itself, is not tragic - only the defeat of 'our side' is tragic. War is only bad if 'we' lose.

Hence, we are not 'detatched, horrified observers of the horror (which we are in a real sense with Homer - when Hector fights Achilles we know that it will be horrible & that whoever wins we will feel grief. Hence Homer brings home the horror & tragedy that war is - no matter who wins there is loss & bereavement). We root for one side to win & only wish to see the utter defeat of the other. Thus, we only grieve when 'our side' loses, & cheer when the other side is beaten.

And that seems (to be provocative....) a questionable message, does it not?

EDIT

Feanor against teleri & Galadriel; Gondorians in the kin-strife; Thingol against the dwarves. These evil guys do receive recognition, but not for their evil deeds.

Of course - and yet the tragedy here is due to 'delusion' or trickery, not because noble warriors are fighting each other for causes they truly believe in. Hence, that element of tragedy is missing.