Goldberry and an Estonian Fairytale
 

Ms. Seth's latest essay attempts to solidify the fairy tale and religious aspects to Tom and Goldberry. The 'Gold Spinners' tale in Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy-book is interesting because of its Finnish connection – which may have caught Tolkien's eye.

Interestingly a bovine connection links the pair of enigmatic characters according to her research. The yellow water-lily is also known as the 'Cow Lily' and Ms. Seth speculates that Tolkien – a keen botanist – might well have known this.

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