Trial by Jury

 

    Dear Readers,

    Playing the role of the Balrog gave me a different perspective on the story and its characters. At first, I saw the Balrog as nothing more than a mindless force of destruction, but playing the role helped me see how much darkness and corruption were already spreading through Middle-earth. From this perspective, it became clear that pride and anger—exemplified by Feanor—can ignite destruction extending well beyond individual intent. It made me think about how even powerful figures are influenced by larger forces of greed, grief, and vengeance.

    Our group's stance (the jury) focused on understanding how individual choices affect the entire world of the story. We viewed Feanor’s actions as emotional and tragic, yet ultimately deliberate and inexcusable given the kinslaying that followed.

   Ultimately, we the jury, found Feanor guilty for the kinslaying of the elves. The decision came after considering whether his motives could excuse his actions. Some argued that he was a tragic figure driven by pain, but in the end, we agreed that his pride and refusal to heed reason made him responsible for the bloodshed. Though tragic, his story reminds us that personal accountability matters, no matter how noble the intentions.