Posted: October 12, 1998 at 08:25:54: by Steve S.
: : I would agree that there is the undeniable undertone of predestination in the book. Clearly, there is some higher power that sets events in motion. It is, however, the individual character's choices that influence which direction these events will take. Thus, Frodo is "meant" to inherit the Ring and "meant" to undertake the daunting task of destroying. But he must make the choice to do so. Gandalf does not tell him that he must do it; he guides his decision, but in the end it is Frodo's decision solely. : Good point. The term "predestination" may be an inappropriate term to use in regards to Tolkien's world. That there ARE greater forces in play, helping shape the course of events in Middle Earth is not in question: the Dooms of Mandos may _know_ what course an Elf or Man may take, but it is still their choice. Without choice, LOTR would be far less interesting story, and I think we all sense it at some level.
: Oberon
Wow! Now here's an issue that the world has been wrestling with for a while. If you read Tolkien's creation account in The Silmarillion you will find that to the Valar was revealed much, but not all of what the history of Middle Earth would be, as that history is an 'acting out' or fulfillment of the music they made before Illuvatar. So you get a definite understanding that most of the 'history' was set before it began, but that several key points were dark to the Valar (though I don't know if Tolkien mentioned if Illuvatar knew what would happen at those points. That's a good place to go to better understand his views). It is a great read even outside of this question, so if you haven't read it recently, do so. Myself, I firmly believe in free will - just as strongly as I believe in 'predestination'. It is a seeming paradox, but I believe God knows everything and every choice before it happens, yet the choices are still free. I can't explain how that would be except to give you a word picture. Suppose you are in a helicopter over a twisty two-lane highway on the coast. Looking down you see two cars headed north, one trying recklessly to pass the other. Heading south you see a large truck. You see the rear car pull out to pass into the oncoming lane. He doesn't know his choice is leading to a terrific crash, but you do. In a sense you know his future, but are not guiding it. Take that to the level of an all-knowing God who created time itself. He resides beyond time. In a sense, the whole history of the earth has already happened. He knows all the choices that will be/have been made. But they are still choices. I love this metaphysical stuff... 8-)
-Steve
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