This journey we have taken so far in class has led us to many discussions regarding the method behind Tolkien’s writings, his motivations, and how Tolkien’s stories spin a new tale of mythology, fate, beauty, and free will. But in Tuesday's class we had an opportunity to discuss the origins and beginnings of evil in Tolkien’s universe. This discussion of evil and striving towards the light centered around the Elves and how they navigated Tolkien’s world.
In these stories the Elves can be seen navigating through the darkness and towards the light. The Eldar, or the group of elves who decided to embark on this immense journey to possibly reach Valinor represent a group of people who are seeking the light. An interesting discussion and stance can be taken on these Elves representing those who are seeking enlightenment. The question therein lies, what is this enlightenment? What are they truly seeking? Could it possibly be that these Elves were turning their back on darkness and evil and attempting to find the goodness in the world that Tolkien had created.
It is said that some of the Elves that embarked on this journey after the capture of Melkor never made it to the land of immortality, instead they stayed behind in middle earth and are the elves we come to later interact with and know in the Lord of the Rings stories. These elves get coined as dark elves, whereas the elves that completed the journey towards the light are known as the elves of the light. Commonly, but not in all cases, the dark elves that stayed behind are portrayed as having dark hair, and the elves that completed the journey to Valinor are seen with having perfectly white hair.
These elves, with their stunning white hair, are said to be wise beyond their years. Having reached the light at the end of the journey they not only received immortality but they received the greatest gift of all which is knowledge. This knowledge is something that was their greatest advantage and set them apart the most from those who were mortal and left in darkness. This idea of them getting enlightened is metaphorically portrayed through the description of their transition. But it gets cemented symbolically through seeing the light of the trees. Once they see the light of the trees they transcend into beings that are fully enlightened.
This creates an interesting dynamic between the valor and the mortals who inhibit middle earth. The most intriguing discussion we had in class was whether or not the valor should be envied by mortal men. For we know that the valor have amassed immense knowledge and have been fully enlightened, but these same valor who have grown up surrounded by the light of the trees also experience no knowledge of death or morality to begin with. So, they end up having things and abilities that mere mortals do not, but are also completely unaware of what is truly the main motivating factor of mortal life, which is death.
It is through this encounter that the jealousy of the mortal elvish descendants, or Numenoreans, begins. Knowing that they cannot live forever, and knowing that they have direct ancestors who have received this great gift of immortality, it is clear to see how jealousy arose. Even though they were given a life that lasted much longer than that of an average mortal man, and also were blessed with incredible height, strength, and fighting prowess, there was still this idea that there were those who were immortal, and they were being excluded from this group. The Numenoreans were the most powerful inhabitants of middle earth. They dominated man for centuries, and were feared by all, even Sauron at one point. But, as the story goes they fell to the deceit of Sauron, who told them of Melkor and promised them everlasting life, something they had been previously denied. Sauron, the true embodiment of evil thus took over and began not only leading these people, but he became worshiped.
This leads perfectly into the discussion held around the source and power of evil. Sauron represents evil because he is the embodiment of someone who would purposefully corrupt and marr that which is good in the world. Sauron’s greed and lust for power led him to completely dominate the will of others. He was able to be this all controlling figure, influencing every decision of the Numenoreans is a perfect representation of evil at work in middle earth. Sauron exerted all of his force, manipulation, and power onto others and got them to do his will.
So, with Sauron representing all that is evil in this world, he convinced the Numenoreans to disobey their godlike figure. This was wittily represented by the Babycandian diagram we were shown. Sauron got the Numenoreans to think like the baby in the diagram, challenging the validity of the Valor. It was this line of thinking that led them to the attempt to destroy the Valar. But obviously the Valar prevailed and destroyed the Numenoreans and also Sauron, sending him back to middle earth where he would begin work again to try and overtake the mortal world. So, Sauron represents this true and pure form of evil. The ability for one to completely control and use another for their own benefit or gain is what true evil is.
7 comments:
I always find it interesting how the representation of pure evil in many stories, including this one, always has something to do with the manipulation of humans. In many ways, the battle of good with evil is a battle for control over the human mind. Evil attempts to incite our bestial instincts and feelings, while good is associated with rising above selfish feelings and promoting those that unify humanity. Sauron manipulates the jealousy and envy of the Numenoreans to turn them to evil. Once your "self-centered" feelings are in control, evil is in control. To battle evil one must have a disciplined mind that does not easily allow instincts to take control.
Tolkien wrote this story as a reflective of the messages of Christianity. Christians replace their own selfish desires in order to serve the will of God instead. They are taught to love and serve their neighbor, while avoiding the seven deadly sins. I believe this highlights the ability of Christianity to promote unity and togetherness throughout European history in times when nations were in great need of them to remain strong and peaceful. The forces of evil turns the members of society against once another, and can break down a nation from within. Religious faith on the other hand help to counteract the selfish desires of evil to promote unity and strength in nations. Religion provides humanity its greatest strength in the face of forces that would like to break it down, as collaboration and togetherness are humanity's greatest survival assets. Tolkien brilliantly demonstrates this through his metaphorical novels.
Comment above is written by WSS
I think you bring up an interesting point about the reflection of Christianity through Sauron as a representation of evil and temptation to disobey god-like figures. Throughout reading your post, I was reminded of the story of creation because of the recurring theme of seeking enlightenment. I also like what WSS brought up in their comment about the battle between good and evil being a battle for control of the human mind because, in particular, Eve was convinced by the Devil to seek enlightenment, which was considered the original sin. One question I am still trying to reconcile is why the elves were rewarded for seeking enlightenment when, within the Christian framework, that is considered to be such a great sin.
I am also interested in the question of whether the jealousy of the Numenoreans is truly justified because, without death, the enlightened immortals do not seem to have a primary motivator or purpose. To me, a sense of purpose has always seemed to be one of the predominant distinguishing factors between humans and animals. I often consider a sense of purpose to go hand in hand with the concepts that accompanied the enlightenment of Adam and Eve, like modesty, so it is interesting to consider purpose as a defining trait of the unenlightened Numenoreans. - JMR
Very nice summary of the main elements in the narrative that we need to consider in order to unlock Tolkien's "light" metaphor, but we need more thought about the relationship of the Elves who *left* Valinor and the Men who tried to sail there at Sauron's urging. Not all the Elves who beheld the Light of the Trees stayed in Valinor—famously they left to confront Morgoth for stealing the Silmarils. What was the difference between Fëanor's desire for revenge against Morgoth and the Numenoreans' desire to walk in the Undying Lands? There is jealousy at play in both, but is it of the same character? A good start, more to think about! RLFB
P.S. I am glad you found the Babycandian "info graphic" useful! RLFB
The great irony of the Numenorean story, I think, is that the Númenoreans are so envious of the Valar and Elves that they allow themselves to become completely under their sway. When, after the First Age, the Elves and Númenoreans were split, they were purposefully kept somewhat separate as to allow both groups to pursue their respective unique destinies. It is through interaction that the Númenoreans grow covetous, with the final downfall being permanent inhabitation of someone from that other world, Sauron, in Númenor. In the pursuit for the dominance of man, they begin worshiping a Maia, only one or two places up the pecking order from even themselves, and abandon their self determination. They turn to death and human sacrifice in an attempt to please this foreign god, completely missing that they are becoming the things they were trying to avoid all along. This manipulation is what makes Sauron a compelling villain, and contributes to the impression of human-like villains often being more terrifying than mythical creatures.
-BTS
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your insightful blog post on the origins of evil and the quest for enlightenment in Tolkien's universe. The dynamic you illustrated between the Elves and the Valar, and the various interpretations of enlightenment represented through their journeys, offered an intriguing perspective on Tolkien’s writing.
Another fascinating discussion point could be to consider the role of free will in this universe. Do the Elves truly have a choice in their path, or are they simply pawns in a grand cosmic scheme? The decision of some
Elves to stay behind and become 'dark elves' is especially interesting in this context. It might suggest that enlightenment is not a singular destination, but rather a personal journey that takes many forms.
In my opinion, Tolkien seems to suggest that a true understanding of life and death – and not mere immortality – might be the highest form of enlightenment. The dichotomy between the Numenoreans and the Elves shows the danger of envying and pursuing immortality without considering its inherent responsibilities and consequences. It highlights the fact that wisdom, maturity, and understanding are as important as physical or temporal longevity.
- WS
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