What role did greed play in Tolkien's books?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Hugo Millbanks

Aule demonstrates himself some characteristics of pride when he creates the Dwarves. Within this context I am proposing the idea that pride is driving greed. Though I am not suggesting that Aule is greedy.

In Aulë's case though, when he 'made' the Dwarves, he did so only out of a desire to share his knowledge, and to have his own 'children', who could appreciate the world Eru had made. I see no sign of pride with his motives.

As for the associations with him by various individuals with less benign desires, I think that is connected with his innate appreciation for things made with the hands, which admittedly does lend itself readily to evil. I don't think Aulë taught his pupils to be possessive or contentious, though. They simply fell prey to other influences and used what Aulë had given them to their own ends.