We know the Greek and Roman gods and also the Norse gods are fickle and arbitrary.
I think that explains my massive problem with the Valar, too. With the Greek, Roman and Norse gods, you know they're basically human, only with super-powers; and they haven't been appointed to rule the world by anyone, they've struggled for their place against other powerful beings themselves. Even as a worshipper, you don't believe they're perfect; you just try to keep them on your side or at least sufficiently entertained so they'll either aid you or be content to leave you alone. But the Valar rule by super-divine appointment, and they're supposed to be Good (TM) except for Melkor, and if they don't always do the right thing, at least they think they do. That is, in the published Silmarillion! In the earliest drafts, they seem to be a lot more free in that respect, but when Tolkien decided to turn them from gods into angels... well, some things no longer quite work. And then - the question of responsibility. As you say, the Noldor are only human. If the Valar were only human, I'd likely be more forgiving towards them; but they clearly aren't supposed to be, and although we're told they've got their limitations as far as foresight/understanding of fields outside their personal expertise are concerned, we're also told that they mean well, have the right to rule, and know things what we mere mortals don't. Well, they don't seem to be making particularly good use of it!
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2014-04-15 07:40 am (UTC)I think that explains my massive problem with the Valar, too. With the Greek, Roman and Norse gods, you know they're basically human, only with super-powers; and they haven't been appointed to rule the world by anyone, they've struggled for their place against other powerful beings themselves. Even as a worshipper, you don't believe they're perfect; you just try to keep them on your side or at least sufficiently entertained so they'll either aid you or be content to leave you alone. But the Valar rule by super-divine appointment, and they're supposed to be Good (TM) except for Melkor, and if they don't always do the right thing, at least they think they do. That is, in the published Silmarillion! In the earliest drafts, they seem to be a lot more free in that respect, but when Tolkien decided to turn them from gods into angels... well, some things no longer quite work.
And then - the question of responsibility. As you say, the Noldor are only human. If the Valar were only human, I'd likely be more forgiving towards them; but they clearly aren't supposed to be, and although we're told they've got their limitations as far as foresight/understanding of fields outside their personal expertise are concerned, we're also told that they mean well, have the right to rule, and know things what we mere mortals don't. Well, they don't seem to be making particularly good use of it!