Was Tolkien Depressed? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Guinevere · 07-24-2002, 02:50 PM

I don`t think ALL of Tolkiens writings are sad. My over all impression of LotR is a balance between melancholy and hope.
I agree with most of what Greywind wrote! Moreover, in LotR I get the comforting feeling that however terrible the adventures are, there is a meaning behind it all, that a merciful providence is guiding everything to the best. The sacrifices that are made are not in vain.

BUT, when I read the Silmarillion (Which I just finished) I get quite a different impression. It is so terribly sombre and pessimistic - everything seems doomed from the beginning. EG: the story of Turin Turambar which ends in complete despair. When I read that one I also started to ask myself if Tolkien was depressed!!

However, the contribution of Child of the 7th age in this thread explained a lot to me!

I am really learning more and more about Tolkien and his works on this forum. Thank you everybody !

07-24-2002, 02:50 PM	#21
Guinevere Banshee of Camelot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 5,830	I don`t think ALL of Tolkiens writings are sad. My over all impression of LotR is a balance between melancholy and hope. I agree with most of what Greywind wrote! Moreover, in LotR I get the comforting feeling that however terrible the adventures are, there is a meaning behind it all, that a merciful providence is guiding everything to the best. The sacrifices that are made are not in vain. BUT, when I read the Silmarillion (Which I just finished) I get quite a different impression. It is so terribly sombre and pessimistic - everything seems doomed from the beginning. EG: the story of Turin Turambar which ends in complete despair. When I read that one I also started to ask myself if Tolkien was depressed!! However, the contribution of Child of the 7th age in this thread explained a lot to me! I am really learning more and more about Tolkien and his works on this forum. Thank you everybody ! __________________ Yes! "wish-fulfilment dreams" we spin to cheat our timid hearts, and ugly Fact defeat!