Fingolfin

[Morwen]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

For this, obviously yes. But in the end, there were other emotions involved in Fingolfin's case, and I think the lust for Silmarils was almost as big reason as the revenge for father, maybe even bigger. Note also that if it were to be a vendetta for his father, it was certainly not according to the point that he let his half-brothers (although half, but the father was the same) on the other side.

I find it interesting that avenging Finwe's death does not form part of Feanor's oath, which solely concerns the Silmarils. And in light of that, I've often wondered what Feanor would have done if his father had been slain but the Silmarils had (by some strange chance) remained in Valinor.

As for Fingolfin, I agree that his act was futile. But then the entire war on Morgoth WAS futile. The elves, without assistance, could not hope to win it. I saw Fingolfin's challenge to Middle Earth's then Dark Lord as a result of despair and anger shutting down the more rational parts of his brain. In the circumstances who could blame him.

[Raynor]

I admire his deed; in those dire times, an example of such courage can only strenthen determination, perhaps more than some local victories. And, let us admit it, of all the exiles, he came closest to achieving the defeat of Melkor; that such a thing is impossible in itself was foretold by Mandos. But let us give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's .