Old Man Algernon

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Mithadan

I would point out that the supernatural nature of old and dark forests is well-established in both folk tales and myth. Consider the Black Forest and its reputation, the wood of the suicides in Dante, the role of trees in druidic lore.

Characterizing willows as evil may be a bit odd. From some quick research, willows are typically associated with healing. From personal experience, groves of willows are a source of constant motion and sound. The motion and sound are, indeed, relaxing and could easily induce drowsiness. Old Man Willow may be the proverbial "bad seed."

And let's not forget the idea of animated trees was introduced to Tolkien via Shakespeare:

Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him.

Later on in the play, this prophecy became tangible when an army marched against Macbeth camoflaged with foliage and branches from Birnam Wood in order to make it seem as if a host of trees was roused to attack him.

Tolkien, of course, loved the thought of marching trees; however, in letter 163 to W.H. Auden, Tolkien remarked about his "bitter disappointment and disgust" as a schoolboy watching Macbeth, and the "shabby" manner in which Shakespeare treated the "coming of ‘Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill.'"

One could say Tolkien righted the wrong...and made an ent of it.