Yes, I agree that Caranthir's attitudes appear to be shaped by a) history having happened and b) the Easterlings appear at a time when he can really use allies.
This is probably different from the Caranthir of the earlier Legendarium, who is actually said to have loved Ulfang's people. But I think that Caranthir was not, at this point, involved with Haleth and the Haladin at all yet? Or was he?
No, you're right - the "Earliest Annals" do not mention any particular connection between (then male) Haleth and his people, and Caranthir. So the "love for Ulfang's people" may well later have turned into Caranthir's late respect for the Haladin!
On another note--with regard to the "cannon fodder" discussion--perhaps it is worth noting that at the time when the Noldor of Hithlum are themselves suffering their own grievous losses, they are explicitly said to mourn Hador and Gundor.
They generally seem to be shaken by mortal deaths, even the natural sort - or that's the impression I got from the previous chapter, anyway. And there are definitely some strong friendships between Elves and Men. So yes, it surely was unfair to speak of "cannon fodder". It just was such a handy term! >_>
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2014-09-01 08:34 am (UTC)This is probably different from the Caranthir of the earlier Legendarium, who is actually said to have loved Ulfang's people. But I think that Caranthir was not, at this point, involved with Haleth and the Haladin at all yet? Or was he?
No, you're right - the "Earliest Annals" do not mention any particular connection between (then male) Haleth and his people, and Caranthir. So the "love for Ulfang's people" may well later have turned into Caranthir's late respect for the Haladin!
On another note--with regard to the "cannon fodder" discussion--perhaps it is worth noting that at the time when the Noldor of Hithlum are themselves suffering their own grievous losses, they are explicitly said to mourn Hador and Gundor.
They generally seem to be shaken by mortal deaths, even the natural sort - or that's the impression I got from the previous chapter, anyway. And there are definitely some strong friendships between Elves and Men. So yes, it surely was unfair to speak of "cannon fodder". It just was such a handy term! >_>