Thread: Tolkien's theme
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Old 07-07-2003, 11:56 AM   #19
Imladris
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Sting

Thanks so much for the extra replies. I guess the Tolkien theme was discussed more than I thought even though I did use the search thingy (yeah, I figured out how to use that). But I was in a hurry...

Quote:
The jist of my post is that you won't find one all encompassing theme unless you consider the pre-histroy of civilisation a theme
Yes, I do consider pre-history as a "theme," maybe not in the usual sense of the word. (You know, according to the dictionary, I don't think theme is the correct word at all...maybe message. Oh, whatever. You know what I mean.) Anyway, pre-history (that's not a good word either) are foundations of our world today (both physically and spiritually), therefore it is very important. I guess I was just wondering if Tolkien had more in mind than just mythology, because it sure takes the mystery out of it when you consider his work as a mythology. Strictly speaking for LOTR, I think his "theme" is as so many have said, the destruction of evil. The Ring represented the supreme evil, and the elves and men could not just cast it into the sea because they had to think about their descendants. And evil will always be present, will always rear its ugly head, but we (no matter how small we are) must fight it with all our might, because if we don't, then the good is surrenduring to evil (and we all know that's not good).

From what I've heard about the Silmarillion, it is much the same. Sauron came in the guise of good, weasled his way into the counsels of men, and he destroyed them by feeding their pride, greed, etc. Maybe another them is that we must be humble lest we are manipulated by the evil one...do you understand?

I guess Tolkien is saying there will always be a Lucifer, there will always be evil, there will always be death and bloodshed, there will always be lies, there will always be power hungry people like Saruman, but there also will be people who are good (the hobbits), people who will stand up and fight (Gondor and the Hobbits to an extent), and from the first chapter that I read from the Silmarillion, God is always in control.

Imladris.

P.S What is the Akallebeth? I've heard of the Silmarillion and the Unfinished Tales, but what is that? I bet this isn't the right forum either, but since it was just mentioned...
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