I get the feeling that you're already formed your conclusion and are looking to
the text to bolster your findings. Shouldn't it be the other way
round? I would first make a list of every oath spoken in Tolkien's
writings, match it with who made it, who they made it to, and what were the
direct and indirect consequences of the oath.
Only then would I feel able to draw any comparison to other writings, formulate
an opinion on what Tolkien intended for oath-takers and oath-breakers, and test
my theory against other writers such as Flieger and Chance.
But I'm not an academic, so maybe your type goes at these things differently
;).
And, I agree with what others have said - the oaths taken in Middle Earth are
not bad in and of themselves, but Tolkien exacts severe pusishment on anyone
who breaks an oath. So the oath-taking is not where the folly
lies.
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He stood still enchanted, while the sweet syllables of the elvish song fell like clear jewels of blended word and melody.
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I'm NARF since 1974
