Eucatastrophe and the Redemption in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion

Abstract

This paper proposes to analyse the elements of eucatastrophe and redemption in The Silmarillion by J R. R. Tolkien, in terms of values derived from the Christian Gospels. In the novel, it is made apparent that from the beginning of the creation of Ëa (the world), dark and evil forces have assailed the peace and harmony maintained by the forces of good (Eru Ilúvatar, the Valar and Maiar). To maintain this cycle of harmony, the Valar entrusted all races with this tremendous task. These so-called races are given distinct histories and abilities. Elves were naturally good at heart, though capable of using free will and swerving towards evil as well; they also could return to goodness once again they learned their lesson. Their goal is to achieve redemption (after vanquishing Morgoth, Sauron and their allies), the so called happy ending that is continually postponed for thousands of years. Despite the narrative and symbolic density of the invented races, genealogies and histories laid down by Tolkien in The Silmarillion, this paper will argue that ultimately values traceable to the familiar New Testament Gospels lie behind the book’s modulations of good and evil.