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For some reason, Middle Earth seems bigger, almost more legitimate, than the man himself, its very creator. Strange, isn't it?
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That is interesting, and follows in the "elucidation of truth" vein, rather than a "creation of new truth" vein. I suppose this is what is meant by "sub-creation?" I don't have the benefit of having read criticism, although it would be interesting! I did read in one of Tolkien's letters, I forget which one and I don't have them to hand, but someone had asked him if he was into visual art, to which he replied he was not especially, the person had replied that artists had been drawing his world for a long time and that "you don't think YOU wrote that entire story yourself, do you?" in response to which Tolkien reflected "Pure Gandalf!"
Also, on the Valarin theme, I find it interesting that different camps have their own favorite Vala; perhaps Varda is most beloved, for she gave the Eldar the Stars to see by, even when there was no light in ME, but then there are those who would worship Yavanna, for having given them the lights of the Sun and Moon...interesting also that such ill-fortune could be attached to the vessels of the pure Light of the Trees of Valinor, the Silmarils. Does this say something about a lesser being's attempts to encapsulate an indefinable Light of the Universe? The inevitable discord realizing the fullness of the designs of Eru? I'm sure I'm going off the track now, and I'll stop there! Thanks for listening!
Cheers,
Lyta