The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Do you think the Fourth Age really was worse?

Angry Brandybuck · 01-21-2004, 04:04 AM

I've read the New Shadow as well and I agree with all of your views. However, I also think that it is right that Tolkein did not complete this story.

At the end of the day, a story in which the chief source of evil is a cult, however mysterious it is, run by Men, is just not Epic enough to be anything more than a thriller.

It would either end up being a tale of how this cult was overthrown and stopped by a small band of brave, and probably mismatched, men. Or it would have to be a long, drawn out account of the slow, steady corruption of man and the society created by him.

Neither of these stories really 'suit' Tolkein.

PS What are peoples opinons about what the old man sees when he goes into his house at the end of The New Shadow? I can't find the quote but I will.

01-21-2004, 04:04 AM	#9
Angry Brandybuck Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wotton-on-the-Edge Posts: 86	I've read the New Shadow as well and I agree with all of your views. However, I also think that it is right that Tolkein did not complete this story. At the end of the day, a story in which the chief source of evil is a cult, however mysterious it is, run by Men, is just not Epic enough to be anything more than a thriller. It would either end up being a tale of how this cult was overthrown and stopped by a small band of brave, and probably mismatched, men. Or it would have to be a long, drawn out account of the slow, steady corruption of man and the society created by him. Neither of these stories really 'suit' Tolkein. PS What are peoples opinons about what the old man sees when he goes into his house at the end of The New Shadow? I can't find the quote but I will. __________________ The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath, The drums will shake the castle wall, the ring wraiths ride in black, Ride on.