Middle-earth revised, again: Re: Middle Earth

» Amberwest - Re: Middle Earth

In response to message posted by WntrMute:

Dear Michael,

I was struck by one comment you made - What did Tolkien mean by middleearth?

Well, who knows, but I am English and Tolkien is recognised by many English people as capturing the spirit and imagination of England. It may sound crazy but it is a feeling that cannot be explained, it runs in the blood and speaks late at night.

In looking at many examples of English folk lore the hero is not usually attractive - can be very hesitant - wishes to death he had never been given the task - but nevertheless, succeeds. Or does he? because the story is never ending.

In such tales there is usually a wasteland. And so it is with Tolkien. The evil will tear up much of the countryside so where there once was beauty there is now uglyness. Perhaps it goes way back to our pagan heritage where the onslaught of evil was the destruction of the countryside - whereas the victory of good was the growth of the countryside.

Whatever Tolkien thought; like many before him; and many after him; he seemed to have felt that touch of great mysteries with the realization that victory never comes without ultimate struggle.

I would defy anyone walking through the mists of Exmoor, or seeing the sun rise in the Lakes, or standing in rain at Stonehenge and many other places, not to sense the magic of this feeling.

-- posted by Amberwest