because he could have been such a great person. I think the oath and his misguided sense of obligation to it twisted him into a dark shadow of what he should have been. And I get the sense that he knows that is true, but he still can't free himself to be what he should be.
I would say Túrin, but then I would be *not* picking Gollum. Therefore, I pick Gollum.
Gollum's story is on another level (to me), due to the length of time--and the intensity--of his suffering. But of course, all of these characters could be rationalized as the 'saddest'.
None of what happened was her fault. Can't say that about any of the others.
And that's why she got my vote. As much as I love Denethor's story for its tragedy (esp. because it actually was his fault, only he never realised it until the end) Nienor certainly is in a different class altogether.
Though all the others are terribly sad. Like others have said: not her fault. This poll has made me realize that Tolkien is often not very nice to his characters (not on a GRR Martin level, but still a little to close for comfort sometimes.) But I suppose that makes it all the better when he is. (like with Frodo....well, kind of.)
For Fëanor I did vote. The deeds of Fëanor forged the fate of the world, sad it is, yet full of wonder. Much was lost, great were many who fell, and great the Darkness was, that at times did rise. The hope, and the desire for Light, Fëanor, from the fire of his spirit, gave to the world, and even Melkor feared the brilliance of this Elf.
10 /
19%
