I am an English Student doing a directed study on Tolkien. My research is
focused on oath taking in Tolkien's work. He seems to deviate from the
traditional medieval view of oath taking, that it is a noble thing to do, and
focuses more on the folly of oath taking. Feanor being a key example, his
sons want to reject their oath but do not. Gollum also swears on the
Ring, and so is held to that oath. This reflects the biblical command in
James to "not swear," lest it lead to "condemnation." But in Tolkien's
world, he deals with forgiveness for oath breakers as well. I am reading
in Verlyn Flieger and Jane Chance. I was wondering if anyone had any
brilliant ideas on this
subject.
