Of Thingol and Melian

Love inspired by song

I think this story fits into the other works in that there is often an overlap with communication that isn’t directly language. Songs often hold more power than whole structured sentences and thoughts that the characters may have in a dialogue. I think that in this sense we go to the concept of what is universal, and that is communication. Whether it be written or verbal, in any language, containing numbers, communication is really what makes us conscious. I wanted to say human but animals also communicate if not in the way that we do. We are able to express complex and often abstract emotions, retell events, remember, hope for the future, wonder, and imagine all through communication. And I think that Tolkien was conscious of this and was very deliberate in his inclusion of music to make us feel things and evoke certain moods and relay ideas into his works, breathing life and spirit into them.

On another note, there is also the mention of love that is born of a beautiful song. And although romantic love isn’t altogether common in his works, Tolkien definitely makes it clear that affection and trust *two vital ingredients for love, in y opinion) are not lacking in his characters. Real connection and empathy is forged between the characters and it makes them stronger and makes them act in a way that is usually beneficial for all involved. Indeed, it seems that it is only when there is a lack of this compassion that we see corruption and evil come to pass. When people consider themselves to be the most important, beautiful, or qualified, the integrity of all that surrounds the falls apart quite quickly.

Additionally, it seems that there is the inclusion of communication with birds In this chapter, with nightingales. This is very similar to several scenes in The Hobbit that include crows/ravens and thrushes and the ability for some people to understand them so that there can be a continuation of plot and development of the story. This leads to the downfall of Smaug and the success of the Men and Elves. Unfortunately it also led to the death of Thorin.

I am still perplexed at the whole “made a better version of men and elves than before” bit. Shouldn’t the elves already have been perfect? But also, shouldn’t the creation of a new being with a Valar have corrupted that perfection?

{Nienna}