Leaf by Niggle - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Guinevere · 05-12-2003, 07:15 AM

Shortly after having read LotR for the first time I discovered "Tree and Leaf".

"On Fairy-stories" was a real eye-opener - there is so much truth in it and so much which relates to the LotR.

"Leaf by Niggle" I find very touching, though the end is a bit mysterious.
The description of the tree "sending out innumerable branches and thrusting out the most fantastic roots" struck me at once as a kind of allegory of Tolkiens book (in spite of Tolkiens professed dislike of allegories)
After all he did write it in the middle of composing LotR, and it seems to express his fear that he would never be able to finish it (in this world)
And the description of Niggle seems to reflect at least a part of Tolkiens personality (perhaps Parish is another part...)

[ May 12, 2003: Message edited by: Guinevere ]

05-12-2003, 07:15 AM	#11
Guinevere Banshee of Camelot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 5,830	Shortly after having read LotR for the first time I discovered "Tree and Leaf". "On Fairy-stories" was a real eye-opener - there is so much truth in it and so much which relates to the LotR. "Leaf by Niggle" I find very touching, though the end is a bit mysterious. The description of the tree "sending out innumerable branches and thrusting out the most fantastic roots" struck me at once as a kind of allegory of Tolkiens book (in spite of Tolkiens professed dislike of allegories) After all he did write it in the middle of composing LotR, and it seems to express his fear that he would never be able to finish it (in this world) And the description of Niggle seems to reflect at least a part of Tolkiens personality (perhaps Parish is another part...) [ May 12, 2003: Message edited by: Guinevere ] __________________ Yes! "wish-fulfilment dreams" we spin to cheat our timid hearts, and ugly Fact defeat!