Eru Ilúvatar, the Oath of Fanor, and the Weight of Commitments

In the vast and intricate world of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the supreme deity Eru Ilúvatar often plays a mysterious and awe-inspiring role. One intriguing aspect of this world is the Oath of Fanor, which has been the subject of much speculation and contemplation. Did Eru Ilúvatar consider the Oath of Fanor to be binding and valid, and what would have happened if Fanor had broken it? Let us delve into the complexities of this oath and explore its implications.

The Oath of Fanor: A Dire Commitment

As detailed in The Silmarillion, particularly in the chapter F?anor, the Oath of Fanor is a significant and tragic commitment made by F?anor and his sons to reclaim the Silmarils and exact vengeance against Morgoth. This oath is portrayed as a powerful and binding pledge, with dire consequences for those who take part in it. The story suggests that breaking this oath would not only have severe personal ramifications but also reflect on larger themes of free will, fate, and the moral weight of one's commitments in Tolkien's work.

Addressing the Question of Bindingness

The question of whether Eru Ilúvatar considers the Oath of Fanor to be binding and valid has puzzled many readers for some time. While there is no explicit statement from Eru Ilúvatar on this matter, we can explore this idea from a theological and narrative perspective.

Principles of Oaths in Ancient Times

In primitive and medieval times, oaths to deities were often considered binding and serious promises. It was believed that gods would honor the terms of the oath, and, if broken, disrepute would follow. However, as time progressed, the rationalization of oaths shifted, with emphasis on personal honor and the honorific nature of the oath rather than divine retribution.

Eru Ilúvatar and His Nature

From a modern perspective, one might consider Eru Ilúvatar to be a 'petty god' if he were easily angered by the breaking of an oath. However, Tolkien's works provide indications that the Powers, including the Valar, do have direct involvement in the affairs of mortals. In The Hobbit, for example, the riddle game is policed, suggesting that the Powers have some direct involvement in what people say.

The Oath Driving the Characters

Canon passages from The Silmarillion and other works confirm that the Oath was a driving force in the lives of those who took it. The oaths of the Noldor, particularly those of the House of F?anor, led to an inevitable tragedy, driven by pride and the weight of their commitments.

Consequences of Breaking the Oath

The consequences of breaking the Oath of Fanor, or any similar vow, might have been severe. If Fanor had broken the Oath, it is likely that his own sons, who took similar oaths, would have faced significant repercussions. Conversely, the broader narrative of fate and doom surrounding the Noldor would have played a significant role in such an outcome.

The Paths of the Dead and Oathbreaking

The effects of oathbreaking are explored further in the Paths of the Dead chapter of The Two Towers. The oathbreakers there harmed the spirits of ancient men, which had a grave consequence. By contrast, the oaths of the Noldor, particularly those of F?anar, were internal and personal, aimed at reclaiming the Silmarils and seeking vengeance against Morgoth.

Personal Reflections on Pride and Commitment

Pride is a powerful and often dangerous force. Given the nature of the Noldor and their history with Morgoth, it is reasonable to assume that even if F?anor had chosen to break his oath, the act would have been difficult and fraught with moral dilemmas. The act of breaking an oath would have had significant narrative implications and would have been a reflection of the characters' moral standing within the story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Eru Ilúvatar does not explicitly state whether the Oath of Fanor is binding, his actions and the narrative direction of the Silmarillion provide clues about the nature of oaths in his world. The Oath of Fanor serves as a powerful reminder of the weight and morality of one's commitments, and the story suggests that breaking such a vow would have severe and far-reaching consequences.

Through the exploration of the Oath of Fanor, we gain insight into the complex interplay of free will, fate, and moral responsibility in Tolkien's legendarium. The journey of characters like F?anor teaches a profound lesson about the price of pride and the impact of our decisions on our destiny.