Ironic Characters in Tolkien - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rikae · 08-02-2007, 07:18 AM

In one sense, isn't the entire plot of LOTR ironic? Where armies of the most powerful beings in M-E fail, two hobbits; neither strong nor wise beings; (actually pretty absurd creatures) succeed?
Or in the Silm, the outcome of the oath of Feanor could apply. Intended primarily against Morgoth, it furthers Morgoth's aims more often than not. Or: how about Thingol' sending Beren for the Silmaril, assuming he sends him to his doom; only to have that same Silmaril seal Thingol's fate?
However, I suppose these are more ironies in the plot than the characters. Then again, there's not a whole lot of characterization in the Silm, after all.

08-02-2007, 07:18 AM	#9
Rikae Mellifluous Maia Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: A glade open to the stars, deep in Nan Elmoth Posts: 3,489	In one sense, isn't the entire plot of LOTR ironic? Where armies of the most powerful beings in M-E fail, two hobbits; neither strong nor wise beings; (actually pretty absurd creatures) succeed? Or in the Silm, the outcome of the oath of Feanor could apply. Intended primarily against Morgoth, it furthers Morgoth's aims more often than not. Or: how about Thingol' sending Beren for the Silmaril, assuming he sends him to his doom; only to have that same Silmaril seal Thingol's fate? However, I suppose these are more ironies in the plot than the characters. Then again, there's not a whole lot of characterization in the Silm, after all.