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greyhavener · 07-19-2002, 11:50 AM

Evenstar1 quotes "But let us not be overthrown at the final test... In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory. Farewell!" The "more" is the hope of the mortal for hereafter and the hope of the elves for the West; a hope that what is to come is a place for peace and reward.

Tolkien included in his work the Houses of Healing, the Greyhavens, the house of Tom Bombadil, the gifts of Galadriel, the reemergence of Gandalf from depths of Moria as well as the deaths of heroes. Perhaps he was depressed, but he was also hopeful.

Child of the 7th Age points out the Catholic perspective Tolkien brought to his work. Reading through the Bible (Hebrews 11 will give you a summary of those who suffer) and the lives of Catholic saints, people get fed to lions, burned at the stake, etc. I think this philosophy recognizes suffering as a part of life's process while always recognizing that there is a hope for something beyond present sufferings.

Gandalf explained to Frodo that the ring had come to him and that gave Gandalf hope. Frodo took on the responsibility to bear it with reluctance. Though the journey ravaged Frodo, there was always healing. Help and healing to continue on the journey was provided by Tom Bombadil, the elves at Rivendell, Galadriel's gifts, Sam, et al. until the mission was completed. Frodo was ravaged body and spirit and was beyond healing available in Middle Earth. There was then the promise that Frodo go to the Grey Havens and sail into the West. Always a provision in the midst of despair.

Tolkien may have been depressed but I don't think he was hopelessly depressed and there is a difference. Psalms 37:23-4 puts it like this "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...though his cast down he shall not be utterly destroyed for the Lord holds him in His hand."

Tolkien was perhaps like the Hobbits riding among the Elves to the Grey Havens "filled with sadness that was yet blessed and without bitterness."

07-19-2002, 11:50 AM	#11
greyhavener Wight Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: austin Posts: 169	Evenstar1 quotes "But let us not be overthrown at the final test... In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory. Farewell!" The "more" is the hope of the mortal for hereafter and the hope of the elves for the West; a hope that what is to come is a place for peace and reward. Tolkien included in his work the Houses of Healing, the Greyhavens, the house of Tom Bombadil, the gifts of Galadriel, the reemergence of Gandalf from depths of Moria as well as the deaths of heroes. Perhaps he was depressed, but he was also hopeful. Child of the 7th Age points out the Catholic perspective Tolkien brought to his work. Reading through the Bible (Hebrews 11 will give you a summary of those who suffer) and the lives of Catholic saints, people get fed to lions, burned at the stake, etc. I think this philosophy recognizes suffering as a part of life's process while always recognizing that there is a hope for something beyond present sufferings. Gandalf explained to Frodo that the ring had come to him and that gave Gandalf hope. Frodo took on the responsibility to bear it with reluctance. Though the journey ravaged Frodo, there was always healing. Help and healing to continue on the journey was provided by Tom Bombadil, the elves at Rivendell, Galadriel's gifts, Sam, et al. until the mission was completed. Frodo was ravaged body and spirit and was beyond healing available in Middle Earth. There was then the promise that Frodo go to the Grey Havens and sail into the West. Always a provision in the midst of despair. Tolkien may have been depressed but I don't think he was hopelessly depressed and there is a difference. Psalms 37:23-4 puts it like this "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...though his cast down he shall not be utterly destroyed for the Lord holds him in His hand." Tolkien was perhaps like the Hobbits riding among the Elves to the Grey Havens "filled with sadness that was yet blessed and without bitterness." __________________ Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8