Concerning Mewlips - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aaron · 02-26-2016, 02:04 PM

The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was certainly an odd read for me, and one which proved very hit and miss. But I can say with confidence that my absolute favourite poem was The Mewlips. A creepy little Hobbit rhyme about these bizarre creatures who prey on unwary travelers.

But what are the Mewlips? Did Tolkien mean them to be a separate species - as with the Elves and Orcs? Are are they Hobbit interpretations of outsiders whom they couldn't name?
What do you think?

Elmo · 02-26-2016, 04:31 PM

I assume they're based on the creatures that dwelt in Mirkwood after the Shadow fell on it. The same creatures, i.e. orcs and spiders that the Hobbit fled westward from, a collective folk memory in a song.
The utter depth of Tolkien

Btw, I love this creepy version of it put to music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQo57KBtSM

Inziladun · 02-26-2016, 08:20 PM

At some points in the poem the verses could reflect some part of Frodo and Sam's experience in the Dead Marshes on the approach to Mordor.

Quote:

And slow and softly rings their bell,
As in the slime you sink.

Quote:

By a dark pool's borders without wind or tide,
Moonless and sunless, the Mewlips hide.

Quote:

With single sickly candle lit...

If the 'source' of that poem was Sam, maybe the Marshes inspired him, at least.

02-26-2016, 02:04 PM	#1
Aaron Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: England Posts: 96	Concerning Mewlips The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was certainly an odd read for me, and one which proved very hit and miss. But I can say with confidence that my absolute favourite poem was The Mewlips. A creepy little Hobbit rhyme about these bizarre creatures who prey on unwary travelers. But what are the Mewlips? Did Tolkien mean them to be a separate species - as with the Elves and Orcs? Are are they Hobbit interpretations of outsiders whom they couldn't name? What do you think? __________________ Remember, stranger, passing by: As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you shall be. Prepare thyself to follow me.

02-26-2016, 04:31 PM	#2
Elmo Pittodrie Poltergeist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again Posts: 633	I assume they're based on the creatures that dwelt in Mirkwood after the Shadow fell on it. The same creatures, i.e. orcs and spiders that the Hobbit fled westward from, a collective folk memory in a song. The utter depth of Tolkien Btw, I love this creepy version of it put to music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQo57KBtSM __________________ As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering.