Proof that LotR is bordering on a true mythology - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gorwingel · 04-01-2004, 08:25 PM

Well I have seen the backs of plently of Fantasy books where critics would say things along the line of "The best book since LOTR", or something like "An amazing writer in the true spirit of Tolkien", but that is about it. But I do find comments like that really cool

Kransha · 04-01-2004, 08:47 PM

Not necessarily a mythological reference to support your view but...

-There is an experimental project in the works of the U.S. Military that has devised the plans for a Prototype Hovercraft known as Project Shadowfax. Makes sense, don't it?
-There is also a small chain of jewelery stores called Gimli's. Again, sensible.
-There is a prominent archery training association known as Bows of Greenleaf

That sort of contributes to the point of Tolkein's strories becoming household words, bordering actual mythology in their fame and acclaim. An interesting thought, indeed.

Gil Galad · 04-01-2004, 08:59 PM

I read this book called "Lord of the rings" Man, that author is a great one, he may be named after the tolkien you are talking about. You should all try reading it sometime. IT ROCKS!!!!

astarielle · 04-02-2004, 07:15 AM

'bored of the rings' is a must read...completely hilarious

Firefoot · 04-02-2004, 03:07 PM

This isn't exactly what you were talking about, but we were reading a short story in Literature (which was quite boring) until I read that the main character's favorite books were LotR and the Hobbit.

Made my day.

Lhundulinwen · 04-02-2004, 04:55 PM

I don't think Tolkien started out to make a piece of literature that was intergrated into our culture, to become part of our collective memory, but that seems to be happening. The moives were a monster success, and a lot of people began to read the books, just to see if they really were any good. Of course, its not just that or the books he's mentioned in (I did notice that in King's On Writing, too, Imladris) its that the books are being taught in classrooms, discussed over lunch, and spawning web sites (like this one!!) where people from around the globe meet daily (some of us hourly it seems) just to discuss something we love. Tolkien did something wonderful, that maybe he didn't even mean to do; he opened people's minds to a new wonderful world and gave a large group of diverse people something to hold on to, to talk about, and maybe even overcome our differences. Its a beautiful thing!

Bêthberry · 04-03-2004, 09:02 PM

I don't know, Imladris.

To be a mythology, would that not have to be a belief system that is no longer believed? Like the Greek and Roman mythologies were once believed in as true religions but no one today worships Jupiter, Jove, Hera, Athena, etc etc.

So, that would make LOTR something no one really believes in any more, ie, something passing away into the mists of history, ignored and discredited. Like the elves?

Doesn't sound like it to me.

04-01-2004, 08:25 PM	#1
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	Well I have seen the backs of plently of Fantasy books where critics would say things along the line of "The best book since LOTR", or something like "An amazing writer in the true spirit of Tolkien", but that is about it. But I do find comments like that really cool __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

04-01-2004, 08:47 PM	#2
Kransha Ubiquitous Urulóki Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The port of Mars, where Famine, Sword, and Fire, leash'd in like hounds, crouch for employment Posts: 747	Not necessarily a mythological reference to support your view but... -There is an experimental project in the works of the U.S. Military that has devised the plans for a Prototype Hovercraft known as Project Shadowfax. Makes sense, don't it? -There is also a small chain of jewelery stores called Gimli's. Again, sensible. -There is a prominent archery training association known as Bows of Greenleaf That sort of contributes to the point of Tolkein's strories becoming household words, bordering actual mythology in their fame and acclaim. An interesting thought, indeed. __________________ "What mortal feels not awe/Nor trembles at our name, Hearing our fate-appointed power sublime/Fixed by the eternal law. For old our office, and our fame," -Aeschylus, Song of the Furies

04-01-2004, 08:59 PM	#3
Gil Galad Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: hmm... good question.... Posts: 58	I read this book called "Lord of the rings" Man, that author is a great one, he may be named after the tolkien you are talking about. You should all try reading it sometime. IT ROCKS!!!! __________________ A red sun rises... blood has been spilt this night.- Legolas TTT Certainty of death, small chance of success... what are we waiting for?- Gimli ROTK

04-02-2004, 07:15 AM	#4
astarielle Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: i'd hazard a guess and say i was here Posts: 86	'bored of the rings' is a must read...completely hilarious __________________ "I know exactly where I have been, But never where I will go for I tavel on the wings of angels"

04-02-2004, 04:55 PM	#6
Lhundulinwen Wight Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wishin' and hopin' in the Shire Posts: 139	I don't think Tolkien started out to make a piece of literature that was intergrated into our culture, to become part of our collective memory, but that seems to be happening. The moives were a monster success, and a lot of people began to read the books, just to see if they really were any good. Of course, its not just that or the books he's mentioned in (I did notice that in King's On Writing, too, Imladris) its that the books are being taught in classrooms, discussed over lunch, and spawning web sites (like this one!!) where people from around the globe meet daily (some of us hourly it seems) just to discuss something we love. Tolkien did something wonderful, that maybe he didn't even mean to do; he opened people's minds to a new wonderful world and gave a large group of diverse people something to hold on to, to talk about, and maybe even overcome our differences. Its a beautiful thing! __________________ ~Just call on me, and I'm there. I'll always be your Sam~

04-02-2004, 03:07 PM	#5
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	This isn't exactly what you were talking about, but we were reading a short story in Literature (which was quite boring) until I read that the main character's favorite books were LotR and the Hobbit. Made my day.

04-03-2004, 09:02 PM	#7
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	an oxymoron I don't know, Imladris. To be a mythology, would that not have to be a belief system that is no longer believed? Like the Greek and Roman mythologies were once believed in as true religions but no one today worships Jupiter, Jove, Hera, Athena, etc etc. So, that would make LOTR something no one really believes in any more, ie, something passing away into the mists of history, ignored and discredited. Like the elves? Doesn't sound like it to me. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.