Oohhh Thanks Athrabeth. I am still mulling all that over but that is plenty of food for thought!!!! I especialy like the 'realizing his obvious superiority' part. I think that is very telling. Especially since it did not seem he really encountered any kind of thinking contrary to that while growing up. I really like that idea. I think that mindset could play a major role in all of this!!! Poor Nerdanel *shakes head*
I wonder what led people to have their hearts drift over to Fingolfin. I do not think I would trust Feanor as a leader myself since he seemes too hot headed and it dosen't seem like he can share. Not to mention the whole threatening your own brother. I have read over Voronwe's comment about Fingolfin having huge ego. Although I have to say dude took it pretty well being thretened by his own brother. He was also very forgiving while Feanor didn't really uh.. think he did anything wrong (or should be called out for it).
Voronwe why would you think Fingolfin has a huge ego? Afterall I think he was pretty uh neglected by his father (in terms of moral support). That does not lead to a huge ego to me. Alot of things I have seen Fingolfin do is in an attempt not to stoop as low as his brother Feanor. Although opposing Feanor just because he can I think is a bit petty, but it's better then threatening. Also, how else is he going to stick it to Feanor? Feanor has all of Fingolfin's father's love. He can't let Feanor steamroll him in everything else.
I kind of feel sorry for the Noldor since it was their falling for gossip that really lead to their end. Trying to look smart, getting arrogant. Although I wish the Valar had noticed earlier. Couldn't the tokens of vying houses been a clue?
Also, I wonder if Finwe ever had a talk with Feanor about the whole "Gee I encouraged the people to come here and you are encouraging them to leave" issue. Was Finwe that blind? There is loving your son but then... there is just being too soft!! Your his father!!! Kid needs some discipline!!!
Not to mention his blatant favouritism by going into exile his son. Exile which was punishment for his son threatening his other son!!!!! What the heck is that!! Feanor was right to threaten his own brother? [sarcasm] That's a good example to set there Finwe!!! [/sarcasm] I can imagine how much that hurt Fingolfin. Maybe at some point in his life Fingolfin realized that there was no point hoping he could get a glimmer of his father's uh doting love and attention and instead quietly stick it to Feanor whenever he got the chance. (Hmm Voronwe I kind of see where you are coming from, but I still don't understand the huge ego thing).
I also agree with Athrabeth that it does seem like a generational thing this urge to leave. Hmmmm. Although I wonder why the Valar did not tell the Elves about the Aftercomers. That seems pretty important. That simple thing could have changed things since Melkor would not have been able to twist that. It's like a little kid finding out a little brother or sister is coming and they realize they won't be the centre of attention anymore. That is pretty major to me. Did the Valar just forget after passing on so much knowledge to the Elves?
Also, I noticed back reading that there is all this talk about freedom among the Noldor and from Feanor but not a single person considers how the heck are we going to get across the sea? I notice not a single Noldor points out that major obstacle to freedom! What are they going to do, swim? There dosen't seem to be too much planning there although they are so eager to leave. I wonder how serious some of the Noldor were about leaving, since there is talking about it, but it is a whole other thing actually following through on leaving (especially if the person 'wanting' to leave is very comfortable where they currently are). I wonder if the whole leaving issue could have been a phase that could have passed if Melkor hadn't done what he had done, and compelled Feanor to rebel and prove his point to the Valar (and other elves). I wonder what that point could be, that he didn't need them? That he was better then them? Maybe since his own father was quite lax with raising him he dosen't deal well with authority? I dunno, just wondering out loud.
I did notice that Feanor did actually almost consider Melkor's offer for assistance, so he must have realized there were obstacles. (Hmmm I wonder what Melkor thought of the theft of the ships. That he couldn't have planned it out better? *raises eyebrow*) Sometimes I just get the feeling that Melkor played Feanor like a fiddle (sometimes unintentionally though).
I am still on chapter 7 and 8 (re reading) but soon I will move on to the current chapter soon. Chapter 8 moves pretty quickly I have noticed.