Tolkien’s View on Evil and the Concept of Guilt

One of the central questions that arises in the context of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is whether Eru (the all-powerful deity, also known as Ilúvatar) feels guilt for the evil deeds of his creations, such as Melkor (Morgoth) and Sauron. In addressing this query, it is important to explore Tolkien's perspective as well as the broader theological and philosophical contexts.

Did Tolkien Indicate Eru Ever Felt Guilt?

Directly, there is no indication that Tolkien wrote about Eru feeling guilty for the actions of Melkor and Sauron. However, Tolkien did address the nature of evil and its origins in his writings. In particular, he provides a detailed account of the origins of the Orcs in his work, "The Silmarillion."

According to the story, all Quendi (the elves) who were captured by Melkor and taken to Utumno (his stronghold) were imprisoned and corrupted by Melkor's cruel means. From these corrupted Quendi, Melkor created the hideous race of Orcs. Tolkien's description of this event is stark and revealing:

"All those of the Quendi who came into the hands of Melkor ere Utumno was broken were put there in prison and by slow arts of cruelty were corrupted and enslaved and thus did Melkor breed the hideous race of the Orcs in envy and mockery of the Elves...

Tolkien explicitly states that this was the vilest deed of Melkor and the most hateful to Eru. This act of corruption and creation was a direct result of Melkor's envy and mockery of the beauty and goodness of the Elves.

Why Would Eru Feel Guilt?

One might wonder why Eru, who is described as the all-powerful and infinitely good deity in Tolkien's cosmology, would feel guilty about the actions of his creations. From Eru's perspective, the story is not one of inevitable guilt but rather a complex web of free will and consequence. Eru knew that death is simply a transformation, and that the struggle necessary for growth and beauty often leads to suffering. The water cycle, for instance, is a beautiful and necessary process that could not occur without transformation and loss.

In Tolkien's view, the struggle and the resulting beauty and goodness are intertwined. This is perhaps best illustrated by the example of a snowflake. As snowflakes form, they go through a process of transformation and even some destruction, only to contribute to the beauty of winter. Similarly, Tolkien argues that even the most heinous of evils can lead to new good that was not part of the evil-doer's original plan but was ultimately part of Eru's design.

Tolkien and the Problem of Evil

Tolkien's perspective on evil is closely tied to his Catholic faith, which does not view the problem of evil as fundamentally challenging to the concept of a loving and all-powerful deity. In his cosmology, evil is a result of free will and the abuse of power, rather than an inherent aspect of creation. Tolkien's treatment of the problem of evil can be seen in his work, particularly in the "Debate between Finrod and Andreth" from "The Lost Road and Other Writings."

Here, Tolkien introduces a dialogue that further explores the nature of evil and the struggle between light and darkness. The perspective of Eru is central in this dialogue. Eru is portrayed as understanding that all evil, though reprehensible, ultimately serves a purpose in the fullness of time. He states that any and all evil will eventually raise new good things that were not part of the evil-doer's plan but were always part of Eru's plan. This assertion is central to Tolkien's view of the world and its inhabitants.

From this perspective, the concept of guilt is not about Eru's emotions but about the consequences of actions and the understanding that all things, no matter how evil, serve a divine purpose. Eru is not responsible for the actions of his creations but is instead the ultimate creator who imbues all beings with free will and the potential for growth and redemption.

For Tolkien, the struggle and the resulting beauty are intertwined. This is perhaps best expressed in the old gospel hymn 'Farther Along,' which suggests that one day, those who have the faith and trust will understand the true purpose of all events in the grand design of Eru.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Tolkien did not explicitly write about Eru feeling guilty for the actions of Melkor and Sauron, his works provide a rich framework for understanding the nature of evil and its place in a divine design. The struggle and suffering, while difficult to bear, are ultimately part of a grander plan. Tolkien's perspective on the problem of evil is deeply rooted in his faith and his belief in the ultimate goodness and forethought of Eru. For those who seek to understand the world of Middle-earth and its underlying theology, these themes provide a profound and thought-provoking insight.