Estelyn comments on how very much singing and poetry there is in this chapter. How very different from
Smith of Wootten Major where in the Great Hall there is no longer singing. It is valuable to see this last chapter of
The Hobbit in light of what Tolkien has said about
Smith
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Tolkien in Carpenter's biography, chapter 'Headington'
As usual there is no 'religion' in the story; but plainly enough the Master Cook and the Great Hall, etc., are a (somewhat satirical) allegory of the village-church, and the village parson: its functions steadily decaying and losing all touch with the "arts", into mere eating and drinking--the last trace of anything "other" being left in the children.
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The song I would like to comment on is one Esty does not mention,
Sing all ye Joyful", because it's rhyme-scheme, rhythm, and phrasing remind me so much of many hymns, choral music, and biblical passages. That archaic
ye is used for a reason methinks.
For similarity to biblical passages you can check out this link:
here, most particularly in passages from Psalms. Anyone who is familiar with Christmas carols can see some of the similarities also.
What is even more striking is what has happened to this song from Tolkien: it has been put to well-known choral music by
Ruth Watson Henderson . The title track is none other than "Sing All Ye Joyful".
Another link:
Elmer Iseler Singers.
So it is not only RPGers who extend Middle-earth.
Thank you also,
Estelyn, for true and faithful work on both the Chapter by Chapter threads. Well done, Moddess!