Thoughs on M[a]eglin

[Urwen]

You once said that if Morgoth were to ensnare a dead spirit to do his bidding, the only Elf to ever aid him willingly would be a prime candidate for that. Do you still think so?

[Huinesoron]

Originally Posted by Urwen

You once said that if Morgoth were to ensnare a dead spirit to do his bidding, the only Elf to ever aid him willingly would be a prime candidate for that. Do you still think so?

At what stage of writing? I'd say Morgoth would easily be able to ensnare the elf who was planning to oust his uncle (without Morgoth's aid) and steal both his throne and his daughter.

hS

[Urwen]

I meant this:

Originally Posted by Huinesoron

One idea I haven't been able to source tonight is that some Elven shades might never reach Mandos, but be captured by Morgoth. I know I've seen it bandied about; if it holds true in the later canon, then the only named defector to Morgoth would probably be a good candidate - and we can assume that the Dark Lord wouldn't be inclined to treat his new toy gently...

hS

Also, I've read that document, and what I find particularly interesting are the details in Sketch of Mythology, where Ylmir (Ulmo) knew he would cause Gondolin's destruction, which means that my theory that it was he Ulmo and Tuor were warning Turgon against is actually true according to at least one source.

[Huinesoron]

Originally Posted by Urwen

I meant this:

I know what you meant. What I meant is that 'M[a]eglin' is one character in 1917, a different (and much eviller) character in 1930, and a potentially more sympathetic one in 1950. Would Morgoth be able to snare 'Maeglin who was traumatised by the loss of his parents' as easily as 'Meglin who plotted to overthrow Turgon and broke the laws protecting the city'?

Originally Posted by Urwen

Also, I've read that document, and what I find particularly interesting are the details in Sketch of Mythology, where Ylmir (Ulmo) knew he would cause Gondolin's destruction, which means that my theory that it was he Ulmo and Tuor were warning Turgon against is actually true according to at least one source.

Yep; the idea that Gondolin would only fall by treachery is a pretty long-standing one, but it's only that one source that has Ulmo knowing specifically about Maeglin.

hS

[Urwen]

He would be able to ensnare both versions as easily, and maybe make him act as his invisible agent during Dagor Dagorath. Imagine that: Elves and Men alike dying, without even knowing what or who killed them. I imagine it would be an exquisite form of torture for both them and M[a]eglin.

(It's also a great opportunity for Anglachel vs Anguirel shenanigans)

I wonder what part would M[a]eglin play in Dagor Dagorath? Would it be akin to what I described above? I am inclined to think that yes, it would.

[Andsigil]

Originally Posted by Urwen

M[a]eglin

Why do you write "Maeglin" that way?

[Urwen]

Because his old name was Meglin, why else?