For it is said that even in the Music Nienna took little part,
but listened intent to all that she heard. Therefore she was rich
in memory, and farsighted, perceiving how the themes should
unfold in the Tale of Arda. But she had little mirth, and all her
love was mingled with pity, grieving for the harms of the
world and for the things that failed of fulfilment. So great was
her ruth, it is said, that she could not endure to the end of the
Music. Therefore she has not the hope of Manwe. He is more
farseeing; but Pity is the heart of Nienna
It's important to note that Nienna's pity and mercy does not come out of ignorance, but out of undestanding. It's a different kind of strength. Of course the idea that she defends Melkor has its roots in a version of the Annals of the Valar in which she, Melkor and Manwe are siblings and Nienna supports Melkor "because of her kinship". But I think it makes sense for her to do so even outside of that familial relationship.
There is a quote by Nienna which does not concern Melkor, but I think it can be used about her stance in many situations:
'In the use of Justice there must be Pity, which is the consideration of the singleness of each that cometh under Justice."
Nienna's mercy alone is at times excessive. She is consumed by it and by her compassion. But the Valar were not created to stand alone. They encompassed different aspects that are all necessary for Eru's great plan to run as smoothly as possible. Nienna's empathy, her grief, her forgiveness, are vital. What would be the alternative? For everything to be left to Mandos' pittiless (with one exception) jurisdiction? The Valar without Nienna would have ended up being more alike to Melkor that they'd ever wish to be.
titsay
izzy806
tangentwithtanner
discoholicmusic
areudirty
gummygunk
