Tolkien is commonly known to have a negative view on technology, claiming that “labor-saving machinery only creates endless and worse labour.” (L # 88) While the actual extent to this view may be oftentimes exaggerated – this is also to be expected since he fought in the First World War, had two sons fighting inRead More
Leaf by Niggle Reading
Leaf by Niggle – a story written by Tolkien – features Niggle, who had a long journey to make, which he did not like because in his view, it interfered with his painting. It would start out with him finding a place in this world for his paintings, and his love for it. We wouldRead More
Why didn’t Arwen go to the Undying Lands after Aragorn’s death?
Arwen didn’t go to the Undying Lands because she renounced this ability and chose not to go. However, she would use this decision as an argument for something else at the end of Lord of the Rings. It is commonly noted that as part of the half elven family line, she had the choice toRead More
What determines the Spring of Arda?
There are two lamps of the Valar. They are Illuin and Ormal. They were brought on and built by Aulë at the prayer of Yavanna, in order to light Middle-earth – built along the encircling seas. This need for light was expressed after the Valar entered Middle-earth, subduing the fires of Melkor. Lamps of the Valar –Read More
The meaning of Eucatastrophe and why Tolkien created the term
eucatastrophe eu•ca•tas•tro•phe | ēu-kə-tăs′trə-fē noun the sudden happy turn in a story which pierces you with a joy that brings tears. (J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter # 89) This term was coined during a letter, Letter #89, that Tolkien wrote to his son Christopher. Tolkien starts out by describing an experience he had at St. Gregory’s chapel, after ChristopherRead More