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

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.

warrenerd · 04-03-2004, 09:27 PM

it's not exactly a book, but i've heard led zepplin mention lotr a few times. i thought that was interesting.

Imladris · 04-04-2004, 12:55 AM

Quote:

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.

Ah, in that you are correct and I quite frankly forgot about that (stupid memory). But But Greek and Roman mythology pervades our very lives. Like the heart pierced with the arrow that lovers sign their cards with. It comes from Cupid of course. Even though we no longer believe in Cupid, it's still there in our lives. It has become a part of everyday lives. That's what I meant by Tolkien. It is becoming a part of our society. I remember in the magazine Credenda Agenda that the writers took the word Mordor and changed it into an adjective (but I'm too tired to remember it just now). That's what I meant.

But I think that I'm taking you too seriously, considerring your smilies.

Bruce MacCulloch · 04-05-2004, 12:05 AM

Actually, Professor Tolkien's specific intent was to create a mythology. He even consistently referred to it as such. (Read the Letters regarding it.)

***Sharkû*** · 04-05-2004, 05:15 AM

Since there is practically no new thing under the standing stone, there was a similar topic already: Middle-Earth references in the Modern World. There's nothing wrong with continuin the discussion here, but I recommend you read all the references already posted to the older thread.

Child of the 7th Age · 04-05-2004, 06:25 AM

The most recent issue of Forbes magazine features a lead story "Lord of the Rigs" with the logo emblazoned in bold letters across the cover.

OK, I admit. I took a look at it while standing in line at the grocery....

Child

Bêthberry · 04-05-2004, 07:04 AM

I wonder if all references are equally valid. Are there qualitative differences? Does motivation count?

I would think that such a headline in Forbes magazine represents a marketing strategy, to jump on a bandwagon in order to increase sales: is this, too, how mythologies spread? Is this fundamentally different from Imladris's Stephen King reference?

This raises the question of whether there are differences between cultural production and marketplace production. If Tolkien can manufacture one, why can't corporations.

04-03-2004, 09:02 PM	#1
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.

04-03-2004, 09:27 PM	#2
warrenerd Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 32	the misty mountain hop it's not exactly a book, but i've heard led zepplin mention lotr a few times. i thought that was interesting. __________________ as soon as you're born, you start dying. so you might as well have a good time.

04-05-2004, 12:05 AM	#4
Bruce MacCulloch Dead Man of Dunharrow Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 651	Actually, Professor Tolkien's specific intent was to create a mythology. He even consistently referred to it as such. (Read the Letters regarding it.) __________________ `A blunderbuss, was it?' said he, scratching his head. `I thought it was horseflies!'

04-05-2004, 06:25 AM	#6
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	The most recent issue of Forbes magazine features a lead story "Lord of the Rigs" with the logo emblazoned in bold letters across the cover. OK, I admit. I took a look at it while standing in line at the grocery.... Child __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.

04-05-2004, 07:04 AM	#7
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Intertextuality I wonder if all references are equally valid. Are there qualitative differences? Does motivation count? I would think that such a headline in Forbes magazine represents a marketing strategy, to jump on a bandwagon in order to increase sales: is this, too, how mythologies spread? Is this fundamentally different from Imladris's Stephen King reference? This raises the question of whether there are differences between cultural production and marketplace production. If Tolkien can manufacture one, why can't corporations. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away. Last edited by Bêthberry; 04-05-2004 at 07:07 AM.

04-05-2004, 05:15 AM	#5
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	Since there is practically no new thing under the standing stone, there was a similar topic already: Middle-Earth references in the Modern World. There's nothing wrong with continuin the discussion here, but I recommend you read all the references already posted to the older thread.