Power to the People

[Lalwendë]

Tolkien always seems somewhat politically confused to me. I always explain it away to myself by comparing his views to those of a lot of the traditionally middle-class English people, as opposed to liberal, Guardian reading middle class people. They like tradition, and approve of monarchy, just so long as they can have 'their say'. Structures such as the police are important, but the state is not always looked upon that fondly, usually where it interferes in freedom of choice and taxes!

However, we cannot assume Tolkien's views. He may have believed something entirely different. This idea of his about 'anarchy' still intrigues me. Tolkien clearly has no time for those who desire to rule. I get the impression that power and authority are something of a burden in Middle-earth, a duty which must be borne as well as possible. In that respect, party politics must have been something he disliked - in all ages party politics has been a cut-throat business concerned with getting power.

I think I'll wait and see what pans out from this, it looks interesting.