Posted: July 13, 1999 at 10:07:48: by Mithadan
: : (1) are the Valar also constrained by fate?
: : In favor of this interpretation appear to be the express statement "to all things else" in the quote above, as well as the Dooms of Mandos which almost invariably involve the Valar.: It would seem the Valar are constrained by what they (and other Ainur) sang in the Ainulindale. I agree that this is what is implied in the Ainulindale and by comments in the Silmarillion. But the Author's comment that Melkor's disruption of the Music had its utmost source in Eru suggests that his conception of fate goes beyond what each Ainu sang. : : (2)If the Valar are constrained by fate, then why is Arda considered "marred"? : This is because the initial music planned by Eru was altered by Melkor. The end result is still the same (ultimate good, as said by Eru in his rebuke of Melkor), but now the process is marred by strife discord, aand generally evil. If fate governed the actions of the Ainur, including Melkor, then the "marring" of Arda was precisely what Eru intended. This is why I find it difficult to believe that fate controlled the Ainur. Perhaps it is as you suggest, the Music, which ended shortly after the conception (so to speak) of elves and men, creates fate which governs Arda and all not dealt with in the Music is subject to free action. But then, how can Mandos proclaim a Doom relating to any future which takes place at a time not covered by the Music? (Whew) : : (3) Doesn't the injection of the Free Will of the Atani disrupt or eliminate Fate? (I don% Neither do I, of course.
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