Today would have been the birthday of scholar and author J.R.R. Tolkien. As suggested by the Tolkien Society and practiced around the world, we drank a toast to him at 9:00 p.m. in the traditional way: "To the Professor."
Entire forests have been leveled in recent years discussing (or dismissing) Tolkien's achievements. Be that as it may, here's David Mills on the mythic power of the story:
In his “Over the Chasm of Fire: Christian Heroism in The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings,” [Stratford] Caldecott argues that “The Lord of the Rings is not a flawless work, but it is richer and deeper than many books more carefully crafted by shallower men.”People read it over and over because “the ‘truth’ in myths and legends bears repeating because it cannot be taken in all at once. There are stories we have to grow into; stories that deal with the way the world is made, and the way the Self is made.” (And unmade as well.) Because they can “restore a balance to the psyche by turning our energies and our thoughts towards truth . . . [r]eading them can be a bit like praying.”
And here is Mills again on the Christian dimensions of The Lord of the Rings:
Providence requires that we accept the burdens given us, and accept that we do not know why they have been given to us. When Frodo wishes that Sauron had not risen to power in his time, Gandalf agrees: “So do I, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”A little later, when Frodo asks why the Ring came to him, Gandalf explains that “Such questions cannot be answered. You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess: not for power or wisdom, at any rate. But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.”
The Lord of the Rings is a Christian work, not least in its picture of the workings of Providence, and of what will happen if we accept that we have been chosen for whatever adventure we have to undertake, and if we use such strength and heart and wits as we have. And that is an encouraging thought.
Tip via Brandywine Books blog.
Indeed. That's why we say our toast each year. Thanks again, Professor.
Posted by Alan at January 3, 2005 10:26 PM