What a roller-coaster!

[Mithalwen]

I think it is more evident in the Hobbit, but of course the pattern of FOTR follows the Hobbit closely. I don't think it is applicable to the Two Towers which for me was so much of a downer when I read it the first time aged about 10 that I stopped. To young to appreciate Faramir, its gloom was unremitting and I was too dozy to realise the significance of the third book's title.

I have been trying to read Peter Ackroyd's Albion (it isn't so unapproachable - I just havent had the leisure time necessary for anything serious ) which cites Tolkien in his discussion of the development of the English Literary imagination, which he suggests is either cyclical or like a river. Maybe this rocking horse is a kind of composite. I think there was some discussion on those lines way back when I was newly dead .. and I must double check the Ackroyd. But this is interesting.