The Silmarillion: Ch.3 Of the coming of the Elves and the captivity of Melkor

[Artanis]

Some discussion points:

(1) Melkor was the first to be aware of the awakening of the Elves. Again I'm filled with astonishment of the Valar, who for the most part stayed in Valinor and did not discover the awakening of the Quendi, but let Melkor be aware of them first and thus enabled him to do his evil deeds against them. Shouldn't they have been at least as watchful as Melkor was? What do you think?

(2)

Thus it was that the Valar found at last, as it were by chance, those whom they had so long awaited. And Oromë looking upon the Elves was filled with wonder, as though they were beings sudden and marvellous and unforeseen; for so it shall ever be with the Valar. From without the World, though all things may be forethought in music or foreshown in vision from afar, to those who enter verily into Eä each in its time shall be met at unawares as something new and unforetold.

Can you figure out the meaning of this? Oromë knew the Elves would come, and yet he was filled with wonder, as if it was unforeseen?

(3)

And in that dark time Melkor bred many other monsters of divers shapes and kinds that long troubled the world; and his realm spread now ever southward over Middle-earth.

What were these monsters that Melkor bred, and from which origin?

(4)

Then again the Valar were gathered in council, and they were divided in debate. For some, and of those Ulmo was the chief, held that the Quendi should be left free to walk as they would in Middle-earth, and with their gifts of skill to order all the lands and heal their hurts. But the most part feared for the Quendi in the dangerous world amid the deceits of the starlit dusk; and they were filled moreover with the love of the beauty of the Elves and desired their fellowship. At the last, therefore, the Valar summoned the Quendi to Valinor, there to be gathered at the knees of the Powers in the light of the Trees for ever; and Mandos broke his silence, saying: 'So it is doomed.' From this summons came many woes that afterwards befell.

Do you think the Valar did right to summon the Elves to Valinor? Did they do it out of selfishness, because they 'desired their fellowship'. The Elves awoke in Middle-Earth, does that indicate that Middle-Earth was the place appointed to them?

(5)

At length the Vanyar and the Noldor came over Ered Luin, the Blue Mountains, between Eriador and the westernmost land of Middle-earth, which the Elves after named Beleriand; and the foremost companies passed over the Vale of Sirion and came down to the shores of the Great Sea between Drengist and the Bay of Balar. But when they beheld it great fear came upon them, and many withdrew into the woods and highlands of Beleriand.

This is intriguing. Why would the Elves fear the Sea so strongly?

(6)The Vanyar were most loved by Manwë, and recieved song and poetry from him. Aulë was named Friend of the Noldor, and he teached them much lore of craft. The Teleri were most befriended by Ulmo, from whom they learned much about music and the flowing of all waters. If this diversement among the Elves was the design of Ilúvatar, what was his purpose? Any thoughts?

And at last
(7)

But at the last the gates of Utumno were broken and the halls unroofed, and Melkor took refuge in the uttermost pit. Then Tulkas stood forth as champion of the Valar and wrestled with him, and cast him upon his face; and he was bound with the chain Angainor that Aulë had wrought, and led captive; and the world had peace for a long age.

Anyone else except me that would want to watch that wrestling match? Tulkas Champion of the Valar vs. Melkor