Eöl

[Kuruharan]

This thread got me thinking about Eöl. Why is he considered to be such a disreputable character? Melian refers to his “dark heart” with regard to Anglachel (Gurthang). Now, admittedly his son Maeglin was a disreputable character, and undoubtedly picked up some propensities from his father. But, Maeglin had his own issues.

Looking at Eöl’s character and experiences he seems to have been more of a loner than being particularly bad.

His nickname “Dark Elf” came from the fact that he liked the twilight and night and lived in a dark wood. This is not particularly shocking because originally everything was night as there was no sun. His dislike of the Noldor was understandable. He blamed them for the return of Morgoth, for taking Teleri lands in Beleriand, and for the Kinslaying. On the whole, he seemed a bit nostalgic for the good old days of the early First Age. He was also friends with the Dwarves (oh, the horror!) When his wife and son decamped on him, I would not say that he behaved in a particularly irrational manner by going after them.

It is true he did not behave himself in a particularly noble manner when he was brought before Turgon. However, how would you feel if somebody you did not like in the least was telling you that you had to stay with them for as long as their kingdom endured and could not go home again?

I don’t think Eöl was bad. I think he was just a bit of an anarchistic hermit, but I’m curious as to other opinions.