Equinii and Solsticsesss, m'preciousss - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mark12_30 · 03-24-2006, 08:21 AM

How are we celebrating Ring Destruction Day this year?

I came to work dressed more or less as Frodo... however I'm seen so often in greens and browns, I expect no-one will notice.

Tomorrow I think I'll take the Snowhobbits mountain-biking.

Lalwendë · 03-31-2006, 02:33 PM

Here's a question I've been pondering for a few days, and this seems an appropriate thread to put it on.

Are there any instances of either solar or lunar eclipses in Tolkien's work? He accounts for the phases of the Moon by saying that sometimes Tilion comes too close to Arien and that this causes the Moon (borne by Tilion) to darken. Or would this signify a lunar eclipse?

mark12_30 · 03-31-2006, 08:21 PM

Sounds more eclipse-ish to me. Experts...?

Mithalwen · 04-02-2006, 10:09 AM

I would say eclipse since the phases are a regular and easily observable 28 day cycle. Eclipses are much rarer and irregular (from the perspective of an observer in any given location) and consequently more frightening and in need of a "comforting" explanation. I am no expert but I was interested enough to do a short course at the CET a couple of years ago and it was fascinating tho learn some of the different myths created by various cultures around the stars.

I think that Tolkien did try hard to be consistent with his phases of the moon when the fellowship were separated - Barbara Strachey monitors this in "The journeys of Frodo".

03-24-2006, 08:21 AM	#1
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Ring Destruction Day How are we celebrating Ring Destruction Day this year? I came to work dressed more or less as Frodo... however I'm seen so often in greens and browns, I expect no-one will notice. Tomorrow I think I'll take the Snowhobbits mountain-biking. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

03-31-2006, 02:33 PM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Here's a question I've been pondering for a few days, and this seems an appropriate thread to put it on. Are there any instances of either solar or lunar eclipses in Tolkien's work? He accounts for the phases of the Moon by saying that sometimes Tilion comes too close to Arien and that this causes the Moon (borne by Tilion) to darken. Or would this signify a lunar eclipse? __________________ Gordon's alive!

03-31-2006, 08:21 PM	#3
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Sounds more eclipse-ish to me. Experts...? __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

04-02-2006, 10:09 AM	#4
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	I would say eclipse since the phases are a regular and easily observable 28 day cycle. Eclipses are much rarer and irregular (from the perspective of an observer in any given location) and consequently more frightening and in need of a "comforting" explanation. I am no expert but I was interested enough to do a short course at the CET a couple of years ago and it was fascinating tho learn some of the different myths created by various cultures around the stars. I think that Tolkien did try hard to be consistent with his phases of the moon when the fellowship were separated - Barbara Strachey monitors this in "The journeys of Frodo". __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace