In my first post of this year’s September Series, I described Tolkien’s Shire as being a land of people in need of ‘faeriefication.’ The hobbits of the Shire are deliberately blinded to the delights of their Faerie world, and they themselves suffer a deficiency of otherworldly wonder and joy as a consequence of their small-mindedness. This may all seem like rather an unkind take, and though I do stand by it, it is also well worth considering that the Shire is only an unFaerie realm on one level – the level of the Shire itself. For, while the Shire and…
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Following quite a few recent posts about arrogance and pride, it seems like it’s about time to turn to humility and something more positive! I’ve been rereading Book V of LOTR recently, and was struck by Gandalf’s remark to Pippin following the hobbit impulsively swearing fealty to Denethor. ‘I do not know what put it into your head, or your heart, to do that. But it was well done. I did not hinder it, for generous deed should not be checked by cold counsel. It touched his heart, as well (may I say it) as pleasing his humour. And at…
Leave a CommentOn my current read through of The Lord of the Rings, I was greatly struck today by the similarities and distinctions that exist between Boromir and Éomer. This…
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