Original Sin in Heorot and Valinor
Richard Z. Gallant
Original Sin in Heorot and Valinor Richard Z. Gallant (bio) J.R.R. Tolkien used Germanic heroic elements his fiction to great effect, but he was also personally deeply conflicted about their dual nature: Germanic1 heroism can be noble defiant, it is often cruel gruesome. wanted esteem the laudable aspects such as we find Beowulf. He writes, We do not deny worth of hero by accepting Grendel dragon. Let us all means old heroes: men caught chains circumstance or own character, torn between duties equally sacred, dying with backs wall. But Beowulf, I fancy, plays a larger part than recognized helping them. (M&C 17) critical adverse as, for example, overmastering pride. If look closely, may observe this conflict characters narrative structure fictional works, particularly fiery imagery ruthless deeds pivotal Fëanor. It those very negative elements, Fëanor’s oath sin kin-slaying Teleri, that are framework. Indeed, sets motion entire cycle Tolkien’s Elder Days. Furthermore, has precedents only where personified monster Grendel, ancient world general. In essay, argue that, first, concept rests on coming-to-terms ethos; second, heroic; third, sustains itself cycles cause effect (which start particular Sin) from ethical code heroes Anglo-Saxon, Old High German, Norse fiction, subscribers (following Tolkien) call “Northern courage.” This found its expression poetry world, Harald Haferland describes thus: “Germanic poetry—like poetry—tells hostility, hero, oddly enough, victorious one. On contrary, must accept demise death close him, displays decidedly greater clarity victory” (Haferland 208). [End Page 109] wrote admiration Northern courage, stating “one most potent fusion courage: theory which contribution early literature”; furthermore, “the fundamentally similar temper England Scandinavia cannot have been founded (or perhaps rather, generated) mythologies divergent essential point” (B&C 20,21). admiration, criticism, courage key points note phenomenon crux legendarium. While traits grew out pagan society, they themselves necessarily need pagan. Larry D. Benson argues “most Beowulf once supplied arguments paganism—the function wyrd, emphasis comitatus, duty revenge—are now secular values were easily incorporated into framework Anglo-Saxon Christianity” (193). They even exist Christian G. Ronald Murphy notes, “thus seems private characteristics personality, attributes original ‘to filled Holy Spirit,’ came other forces well God. The Heliand author place Fate time2 (if Saxnot) within theology” (34). conflict, believe, actually lies himself. George Clark illustrates problem when states knew loved literature preserved ethos the...
Tolkien Studies