Innocence has been viewed differently for a long time. Thought it is desirable, it is easily connected to vulnerability to corruption. In The Silmarillion J.R.K Tolkien, Galadriel may have been an important member of the White Council, but her choice to put Mithrandir as the head was not considered. Ignorance of her opinion would be one of the many catalysts to Sauron’s rise again to power.
In The Silmarillion, Galadriel was one of the most powerful elves on Middle Earth, and though she was elegant, she was a force to be reckoned with. However, like all heroes, she too had her own hubris: innocence. For instance, Tolkien writes, “A queen she was of the woodland Elves, the wife of Celeborn of Doriath, yet she herself was of the Noldor and remembered the Day before days in Valinor, and she was the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in Middle-earth.” Galadriel is wise, but even the wise can be tricked and taken for granted. Also, an outside source explains“Of all moral conditions, innocence seems easily the best and most desirable, for it means the complete absence of error and regret and all the anxieties that go with these – anxieties about avoiding guilt and making amends for instance.” (Wolgast). In regards to this statement, it can be inferred that being innocent can be seen as a good but it is a cause for destruction. Looking her case, her innocence led her to choose Gandalf. Innocence has been and is seen as a great virtue to have, but sometimes it leads to naivety and vulnerability. In The Simarillion, Galadriel put forth to the White Council to have Gandalf lead it, however, Saruman became the head. For instance, Wolgast wrote in the source that, “At the same time, innocence of an action need not be commendable: one may be innocent from laziness or carelessness or sheer action. But even in that case innocence exempts a person from guilt and from the practical consequences that go with guilt, as the law’s sharp and unequivocal contrast reflects.” There was nothing wrong in Galadriel picking Gandalf, it’s just that no one listened to her. Since no one listened, war would come again with Sauron. Also, looking back on the story, it is explained that “Galadriel indeed had wished that Mithrandir should be the Lead of the Council, and Saruman begrudged them that, for his pride and desire of mastery was grown great; but Mithrandir refused the office, since he would have no ties and no allegiance, save to those who sent him, and he would abide in no place nor be subject to any summons. But Saruman now began to study the lore of the Rings of Power, their making and their history . . . Then the White Council was summoned; and Mithrandir urged them to swift deeds, but Curunír (Saruman) spoke against him, and counselled them to wait yet and to watch.” (Tolkien). Because of the fact that the Council nor Gandalf listened to her, the quest to destroy the One Ring continued. |