Discussion questions for the next session to air on Friday the 2nd of December 2016 are:
- How do we handle Finwe, his exile with Feanor and his relationship with the Valar?
- What is Formenos like and what needs to happen there with Feanor and Finwe? Does Nerdanel go into exile with Feanor?
- We need to show the conversation between Feanor and Melkor. What will we show and what will we accomplish in the conversation?
- What will we show of the Valar through these events and how much if any will be from the Valar's point of view in particular the Valar discovering Melkor's part in the unrest?
1. I think we could play up Finwe's sense of kingship here; that is, rather than have him saying "whaaa, you're banishing my son, I'm not gonna be king until you let him back!!" have him say "this was an internal Noldor/family matter, and since the Valar feel they can just stick their noses in here and usurp my role in this, obviously my being king means nothing, so what's the point". This makes his withdrawal to Formenos a more pointed protest than simply siding with Feanor.
2. I've spoken to some extent already of my opinions on Formenos: fortress city, beautiful but imposing, on a cliff as apposed to a hill, reds/fiery colors everywhere.
I would like for Finwe to have at least one conversation with Feanor trying to convince him to make peace with his brothers. I know Feanor is clearly the favorite, but that could be part of the appeal: "everyone looks to you for leadership, and you know you have always been first in my heart. What have you to fear in making peace? The Noldor need to be united against the interference of the Valar".
I'm also tempted to have Nerdanel go to Formenos, too, maybe because I think having her refusal to follow him come at the Oatswearing would be the more powerful moment. Also, Feanor needs to be convinced to go back for the feast of reconciliation: I can't see Feanor going at this point just because the Valar command.
3. I like the idea of Melkor never actually being allowed into Formenos, but kept on the porch while Feanor comes out to speak to him -- like Pilate comes out to the high priests in the Gospel accounts. It could visually show that Feanor sees himself as superior to Melkor -- he's humbling him, even as he appears to be indulging him. What they should talk about... not sure.
4. Has Melkor "jumped bail" at this point? If so, the Valar should be highly suspicious, though at least one (maybe Nessa or Vana?) could say "he might have fled because he
knew suspicion would fall on him; it is proof of fear, not guilt." But I think most Valar would want to hunt him down and retry him at this point -- would it be demeaning to Manwe to have him, once again, resistant to this?