2) It seems that each creation of a light source is somewhat inferior
than its predecessors. Is this merely an expression of nostalgia and
regret of later generations looking back to a perceived "golden era"?
Or does it represent a true downward trend in creation -- moving from
more perfect to a flawed form? Is this how elves see history? Is this
how Tolkien sees history?
Tokien said, that the lights of the Sun and Moon were "inferior" in some
regards; that they were "second-best". In letter 131, that fascinating letter
where he explains his mythology to a potential publisher, he says:
"...[the Trees] were slain by the Enemy out of malice, and Valinor was
darkened, though from them, ere they died utterly, were derived the lights of
Sun and Moon. (A marked difference here between these legends and most others
is that the Sun is not a divine symbol, but a second-best thing, and the 'light
of the Sun' (the world under the Sun) become terms for a fallen world, and a
dislocated imperfect vision)."
and further, as a note: "As far as all this has symbolical or allegorical
significance, Light is such a primeval symbol in the nature of the Universe,
that it can hardly be analysed. The Light of Valinor (derived from light before
any fall) is the light of art undivorced from reason, that sees things both
scientifically (or philosophically) and imaginatively (or subcreatively) and
says that they are good-as beautiful. The Light of Sun (or Moon) is derived
from the Trees only after they were sullied by Evil."
Elsewhere, in letter 297, he says, talking about Earendil, that he was sent as
a star with the Silmaril, "which contained the last remnants of the unsullied
light of Paradise, given by the Two Trees before their defilement and slaying
by Morgoth."
So yes, I believe Tolkien intended us to think that the lights of Sun and Moon
were inferior in the sense that they were not "unsullied by evil"; not in the
sense that they did not serve as excellent sources of light to Middle Earth. In
some ways, physically and by their effects on growing things, they were in
fact, superior lights.
But--they were not the light of Faerie, of Paradise; the unearthly and lovely
blended light of Silver and Gold, the perpetual immaculate glow of the
unsullied Trees. They were pale imitations of that glimmer.
a.s.
Appendix D: "In the New Reckoning the year began on March 25...in commemoration of the fall of Sauron and the deeds of the Ring-bearers. But in honor of Frodo...September 22, his birthday, was made a festival...There is no record of the Shire-folk commemorating either March 25 or September 22."
"A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, and among his own kindred, and in his own house." Mark 6: 4-5
