CH. 16: "Of Maeglin"

***Earniel*** · 11-07-2018, 10:07 AM

For Elves being usually so wise and noble, Tolkien wasn't afraid to have Elves be total jerks. I appreciate that in world-building. Tolkien was not too enamoured with the Eldar to deprive them of their natural share of jerks. They're still usually highly capable jerks, but complete jerks nonetheless. Fëanor was one, but Eöl is right up there with him. Something with being great creators and inventors sure seems to bring the character flaws out.

I tend to give Maeglin a little more credit, just like the sons of Fëanor, because with being raised by such a jerk-dad that has got to leave their kids damaged to start with.

Maeglin does have more redeeming qualities, it seems. And while he makes mistakes, he doesn't do it as often as other tragic figures (Túrin, I'm looking at you) in Tolkien's works. He had skills but also courage. His presence did enrich Gondolin. His unfortunate love for Idril was what caused him to ultimately fail. But with a guide as Eöl and Aredhel on matters of love and consent... well the poor guy was set up to fail from the start...

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11-07-2018, 10:07 AM	#1
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	For Elves being usually so wise and noble, Tolkien wasn't afraid to have Elves be total jerks. I appreciate that in world-building. Tolkien was not too enamoured with the Eldar to deprive them of their natural share of jerks. They're still usually highly capable jerks, but complete jerks nonetheless. Fëanor was one, but Eöl is right up there with him. Something with being great creators and inventors sure seems to bring the character flaws out. I tend to give Maeglin a little more credit, just like the sons of Fëanor, because with being raised by such a jerk-dad that has got to leave their kids damaged to start with. Maeglin does have more redeeming qualities, it seems. And while he makes mistakes, he doesn't do it as often as other tragic figures (Túrin, I'm looking at you) in Tolkien's works. He had skills but also courage. His presence did enrich Gondolin. His unfortunate love for Idril was what caused him to ultimately fail. But with a guide as Eöl and Aredhel on matters of love and consent... well the poor guy was set up to fail from the start...