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Boaz · 31st July 2007, 12:50 AM

Wow, I don't know if I ever checked in on this thread since my last post.

In my opinion, Arda's theology and cosmology are tremendously inspired by Judeo-Christian writings but we must be careful of how transfer attributes of YHWH (God) to Eru and from Angels to Ainur.

Most Christian theology, if not all, depicts Lucifer and his followers being cast from YHWH's presence rather quickly... though time before time is fairly impossible to quantify. I think it's significant that after Melkor's two attempts to sabotage Eru's song Eru did not banish him to the Outer Darkness. It seems that Eru admonished Melkor and his followers but did not punish them. So I'm led to believe that the rebellious Ainur, including Melkor, could be forgiven by Eru... they could be forgiven and put again into a correct relationship with their Maker. In Christian theology Angels know better than to rebel... there is no second chance (and third, fourth, fifth, etc.) for them as there is for humans.

Melkor, still abiding in Eru's presence, decided to rebel again and went surreptiously to Arda. His original rebellion seemed forgiven so it does not seem like he was fated to be the Evil One for all time. He chose to go and be the corruptor of Arda. After finally being defeated and imprisoned by the Valar, Melkor was pardoned by Manwe. Since Manwe knows more of the mind of Eru than any other Ainur, I think that redemption for Melkor was still possible at this late date. Yet again, Melkor did not take the chance.

I think all this shows that Melkor was not fated to be evil. He chose repeatedly to be evil. So was it his nature to choose incorrectly? No, Melkor was the greatest of the Ainur. Eru made him to lead and guide as a governor for Eru. Eru made him for a good purpose. Melkor chose to do evil.

Osse was mentioned by a previous poster. He briefly joined Melkor before the awakening of the Quendi. But he repented of this and was allowed to rejoin the Valar and Maiar.

After the victorious Valar captured Melkor a second time, Eonwe asked Sauron to come back to be judged by Manwe. The Silmarillion says something to the effect of Sauron felt remorse and wanted to rejoin his kin in Aman, but that his shame and pride were too great.

31st July 2007, 12:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
Boaz Thaphireth! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,722	Re: Melkor: evil by will, nature or fate? Wow, I don't know if I ever checked in on this thread since my last post. In my opinion, Arda's theology and cosmology are tremendously inspired by Judeo-Christian writings but we must be careful of how transfer attributes of YHWH (God) to Eru and from Angels to Ainur. Most Christian theology, if not all, depicts Lucifer and his followers being cast from YHWH's presence rather quickly... though time before time is fairly impossible to quantify. I think it's significant that after Melkor's two attempts to sabotage Eru's song Eru did not banish him to the Outer Darkness. It seems that Eru admonished Melkor and his followers but did not punish them. So I'm led to believe that the rebellious Ainur, including Melkor, could be forgiven by Eru... they could be forgiven and put again into a correct relationship with their Maker. In Christian theology Angels know better than to rebel... there is no second chance (and third, fourth, fifth, etc.) for them as there is for humans. Melkor, still abiding in Eru's presence, decided to rebel again and went surreptiously to Arda. His original rebellion seemed forgiven so it does not seem like he was fated to be the Evil One for all time. He chose to go and be the corruptor of Arda. After finally being defeated and imprisoned by the Valar, Melkor was pardoned by Manwe. Since Manwe knows more of the mind of Eru than any other Ainur, I think that redemption for Melkor was still possible at this late date. Yet again, Melkor did not take the chance. I think all this shows that Melkor was not fated to be evil. He chose repeatedly to be evil. So was it his nature to choose incorrectly? No, Melkor was the greatest of the Ainur. Eru made him to lead and guide as a governor for Eru. Eru made him for a good purpose. Melkor chose to do evil. Osse was mentioned by a previous poster. He briefly joined Melkor before the awakening of the Quendi. But he repented of this and was allowed to rejoin the Valar and Maiar. After the victorious Valar captured Melkor a second time, Eonwe asked Sauron to come back to be judged by Manwe. The Silmarillion says something to the effect of Sauron felt remorse and wanted to rejoin his kin in Aman, but that his shame and pride were too great.