((This work was written by Angamaranwë in Eregion, at a time when the Noldorin land was ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn. Because of his part in the Third Kinslaying, the lord and lady were hostile to Angamaranwë, leading him to write the following treatise. Its arguments were accepted in Eregion, where Galadriel and Celeborn were soon replaced with Celebrimbor. While most other Elven rulers were opposed to this, they saw merit in Angamaranwë’s reasoning and so rather than assimilating Mannish nations as vassals, as they had done in Beleriand, they dealt with them as equals. After the Dagorlad however, when the Silvan Elves’ refusal to submit to Gil-galad’s command led to their defeat, the treatise was discredited.))
On the Right of Free Peoples to Self-Rule When the Great Hunter Oromë first encountered Elvenkind, he did not assume lordship of them. This was partly because he knew that they belonged to Eru, their maker, but also due to his understanding that his proper role was not to rule but to advise; in the Elder Days it was only Morgoth who sought complete power over the Children. Instead, each tribe of the Quendi elected a representative to observe and speak on their behalf, these three Elves going on to rule their respective peoples. This form of rule, the governance of the nation by a member of the nation with the consent of the nation, is by far the best known to us. If it were not, the line of Finwë would not have lasted as long as it has. As for the other tribes of the Eldar, as far as we are aware Ingwë still lords over the Vanyar and Olwë the Falmari. Some have argued that wiser nations should be entrusted with the governance of less wise ones, but this itself would be unwise, for three reasons. The first is that foreign rulers will often lack knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the customs of the people in need of governance. Secondly, even when the above is not the case, the natural temperament of the foreign race will lead the ruler to actions beyond the comprehension of their subjects, even when the ruler’s blood is partly native to the people. This will result in widespread dissatisfaction and mistrust. Finally, a ruler that originates with a separate people will be relatively lacking in affection and care towards their subjects, leading them to take their duties more lightly than a native sovereign. To view the effects of foreign rule, one only need look to Lorinand, where many among the Silvan populace blame their Sindar overlords for the encroachment of Morgoth’s creatures. To see how peoples governed by their own fare, one may look to Khazad-Dûm. Ever have Durin’s Folk laboured as a single whole, ably directed by a single king. The same may be said of each of the houses of the Dwarves, and not only have these peoples never been broken by discord, there have rarely been conflicts between the different Dwarf houses. It would not seem foolish to come to the conclusion that this is due to each tribe keeping to itself and never seeking overlordship of the others. Thus we may be sure that each people of Arda should be ruled by its own members and not by foreign incomers, however wise they may be.
