We have already established that it was not appropriate for Isildur to claim the ring as weregild, but I am curious if that concept would be applicable in a battle situation in any case. Is it not expected that people will sometimes die in battle? Why would there be compensation for it? I have always assumed that weregild was something settled between individuals or families.
Weregild
- Thread starter Ranveigh
- Start date
Ange1e4e5
Well-Known Member
Well in the site's Silmarillion film project, we have Dís demanding a weregild from Gandalf because she blames him for getting Thorin, Fili and Kili killed.
JJ48
Well-Known Member
Though there, it sounds like she's holding the person who led them responsible, not the orc(s) who actually slew them.
WaverlyPontiff
New Member
Would a weregild be expected from a battle or from more of a murder/ duel or accident? Would people really be expected to pay a weregild for every noble who fell in battle?
Anthony Lawther
Well-Known Member
It certainly makes for a convenient claim when looting the corpse.
More seriously, it is not uncommon for victors in battles to claim spoils: as aggressors they'll call them spoils, but when a 'defender' is victorious it is claimed as reparations to cover the cost of having to defend themselves. A modern example is the Allies after World War I, driving the Weimar Republic economy into hyperinflation.
More seriously, it is not uncommon for victors in battles to claim spoils: as aggressors they'll call them spoils, but when a 'defender' is victorious it is claimed as reparations to cover the cost of having to defend themselves. A modern example is the Allies after World War I, driving the Weimar Republic economy into hyperinflation.
Kate Neville
Well-Known Member
That seems appropriate for dwarves. I think Turin told Mim that he owed him a weregild for the death of his son by one of his company.