Of the Return of the Noldor
So much happens in this chapter that I can’t comment
on all of it. But, if I had to choose one thing that
sticks with me the most from this chapter, it is
Fingon’s rescue of Maedhros from Thangorodrim. It’s
such a beautiful story. I actually got a little misty
eyed when Manwe more than answered the prayer of
Fingon–saving the life of Maedhros by sending
Thorondor to Fingon’s aid. It’s heart rending (in a
good way) to know that Manwe had not given up on the
Noldor entirely. It’s a story of mercy which touches
me deeply.
You know, it’s these brief, more personal stories of
Tolkien’s that I enjoy most. This leads me to believe
that I will very much enjoy Tolkien’s other books that
I suspect will be written more in this style. For, as
much as I’m eager to learn what happens next in this
epic history, Tolkien is blatant about the fact that
Morgoth succeeds in reeking all out disaster upon
Belariand in his foreshadowing. So, as addicted to the
Silmarillion as I am, knowing (what I believe to be )
the end of the story is a significant detraction from
my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
Two things to pick on: I was incredibly surprised that
Fingolfin and his people who had to traverse the
Helcaraxe were so ready to forgive Faenor’s sons and
their people for abandoning them. True, Fingon’s feat
was amazing, but that doesn’t really right the wrong.
If Maethros had rescued Fingon, one of the offenders
saving the life of one of the wronged, it would make
more sense. How does the rescue of Maethros bring the
two factions together so neatly? I know their’s some
troublesome sediment beneathe the surface, but still,
a lot of people suffered and died in the crossing of
the Helcaraxe. The second thing to pick on: I’m a bit
unsatisfied by Glaurung’s sudden appearance. Knowing
that Morgoth couldn’t create dragons from nothing, I
can’t help but wonder what Morgoth perverted to “make”
him.
That’s all for now.
Till next time, keep thinking,
mark-edmond
