I've always loved the Galadriel quote from the opening of The Fellowship movie: “The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it." Much is lost. This theme is explored in a unique way in the dystopian show "See" on Apple TV.
I am convinced that by worshipping a Jesus defined by Greek philosophy, forgetting (or worse, denying) his Jewishness and connection to the narrative of Israel we now have a loose collection of individual, private salvation projects as well as a long, shameful history of Antisemitism. We forgot the story and our connection to it, and the wheels have come off the wagon.
In "The Lore of Middle Earth," the poem explores the intricate relationship between the narratives found in *The Silmarillion* and *The Lord of the Rings,* focusing on the themes of memory, lore, and the nature of worship in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
The first stanza paints a vivid picture of the settings in Middle Earth, suggesting a mystical atmosphere where ancient tales linger. The phrase “woven spell” evokes the artistry of storytelling, while “whispered winds” hints at the ongoing relevance and resonance of those stories across time, emphasizing the power of myth in shaping reality.
The second stanza delves deeper into the significance of the Silmarils, described as “stars aglow,” symbolizing hope and beauty amidst the shadows of loss and grief. The gods are portrayed as “unseen” forces whose whispering presence influences the narrative, weaving together the experiences of those who have suffered and loved. This complexity illustrates the rich tapestry of lore that forms the backdrop of Middle Earth, pointing to a spiritual dimension even when explicit religious practices are absent.
In the third stanza, the focus shifts to the everyday lives of the characters. Here, the concept of fellowship emerges as a form of communion, acting as a guiding force that shapes their journey. The line “No altars rise, nor prayers ascend” affirms the absence of traditional worship, yet hints at a deeper connection found in shared stories and experiences—“lore unites, and hearts will mend”—indicating that the power of community and narrative can provide healing and strength.
The fourth stanza reflects on the collective struggle and courage displayed throughout the epic tales. It captures the essence of resilience and the transformative power of storytelling that remains vital to the characters’ identities. The image of stories flowing “like rivers” suggests a continuity of wisdom passed down through generations, contributing to the understanding of their world and the lessons learned through their trials.
In the final stanza, the poem contemplates the overall mystery of faith and lore within Tolkien’s works. The phrase “where lore ignites the soul’s decree” emphasizes the profound impact of stories on individual beliefs and convictions, highlighting the idea that faith can be derived from the richness of shared history rather than rituals. Even as “worship fades, and rites grow dim,” the essence of belief survives through the power of narrative, affirming that the stories we tell and remember hold an enduring significance in shaping our understanding of life and existence. This reflection ultimately invites readers to appreciate the intertwining of myth, memory, and faith in both the personal and communal realms, enhancing their connection to the lore of Middle Earth.
Denethor is like the inquisitor of Dostoiévski. He knows the lore but "loves" the system created (in case of Denethor the (crumbling) state of Gondor). Denethor is correctly against Sauron, but doesn't integrate other virtues beyond prudence. He lacks the faith to believe in non violent mean of fighting Mordor, in the desperate and valiant effort of the fellowship.
I’m with you on the Silmarillion - could only manage it as an audiobook!
Loved this. Thank you.
I've always loved the Galadriel quote from the opening of The Fellowship movie: “The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it." Much is lost. This theme is explored in a unique way in the dystopian show "See" on Apple TV.
There was a cultic religion in Numenor where sacrifices were made to Eru. Also you can really say Frodo prays to Varda in Shelobs cave.
I am convinced that by worshipping a Jesus defined by Greek philosophy, forgetting (or worse, denying) his Jewishness and connection to the narrative of Israel we now have a loose collection of individual, private salvation projects as well as a long, shameful history of Antisemitism. We forgot the story and our connection to it, and the wheels have come off the wagon.
Title: The Lore of Middle Earth
Yvon Roustan ©
In valleys deep where shadows dwell,
A tale is spun, a woven spell,
Of ancient songs that time forgot,
In whispered winds, the echoes caught.
The Silmarils, like stars aglow,
Hold stories vast of loss and woe,
With gods unseen, their whispers weave,
A tapestry of those who grieve.
Yet in the heart of everyday,
In fellowship, we find our way,
No altars rise, nor prayers ascend,
But lore unites, and hearts will mend.
Through battles fought and journeys grand,
The strength to stand, to understand,
In tales of old, like rivers flow,
The magic lived, the truths we know.
So, ponder well this mystery,
Where lore ignites the soul's decree,
Though worship fades, and rites grow dim,
The stories live, and faith within.
*************^******************
Explanation:
In "The Lore of Middle Earth," the poem explores the intricate relationship between the narratives found in *The Silmarillion* and *The Lord of the Rings,* focusing on the themes of memory, lore, and the nature of worship in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
The first stanza paints a vivid picture of the settings in Middle Earth, suggesting a mystical atmosphere where ancient tales linger. The phrase “woven spell” evokes the artistry of storytelling, while “whispered winds” hints at the ongoing relevance and resonance of those stories across time, emphasizing the power of myth in shaping reality.
The second stanza delves deeper into the significance of the Silmarils, described as “stars aglow,” symbolizing hope and beauty amidst the shadows of loss and grief. The gods are portrayed as “unseen” forces whose whispering presence influences the narrative, weaving together the experiences of those who have suffered and loved. This complexity illustrates the rich tapestry of lore that forms the backdrop of Middle Earth, pointing to a spiritual dimension even when explicit religious practices are absent.
In the third stanza, the focus shifts to the everyday lives of the characters. Here, the concept of fellowship emerges as a form of communion, acting as a guiding force that shapes their journey. The line “No altars rise, nor prayers ascend” affirms the absence of traditional worship, yet hints at a deeper connection found in shared stories and experiences—“lore unites, and hearts will mend”—indicating that the power of community and narrative can provide healing and strength.
The fourth stanza reflects on the collective struggle and courage displayed throughout the epic tales. It captures the essence of resilience and the transformative power of storytelling that remains vital to the characters’ identities. The image of stories flowing “like rivers” suggests a continuity of wisdom passed down through generations, contributing to the understanding of their world and the lessons learned through their trials.
In the final stanza, the poem contemplates the overall mystery of faith and lore within Tolkien’s works. The phrase “where lore ignites the soul’s decree” emphasizes the profound impact of stories on individual beliefs and convictions, highlighting the idea that faith can be derived from the richness of shared history rather than rituals. Even as “worship fades, and rites grow dim,” the essence of belief survives through the power of narrative, affirming that the stories we tell and remember hold an enduring significance in shaping our understanding of life and existence. This reflection ultimately invites readers to appreciate the intertwining of myth, memory, and faith in both the personal and communal realms, enhancing their connection to the lore of Middle Earth.
Denethor is like the inquisitor of Dostoiévski. He knows the lore but "loves" the system created (in case of Denethor the (crumbling) state of Gondor). Denethor is correctly against Sauron, but doesn't integrate other virtues beyond prudence. He lacks the faith to believe in non violent mean of fighting Mordor, in the desperate and valiant effort of the fellowship.