Arthedain's early chance - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morwen Tindomerel · 05-05-2003, 08:57 PM

I majored in history and so was trained to be wary of the spin chroniclers give their records! In all fairness though it should be remembered that 'objectivity' and rigid and complete accuracy weren't even ideals for historical writers until the twentieth century, (this is not to say that recent historians necessarily live up to these ideals but they are now the standard).

The same was undoubtedly true of the chroniclers and annalists of ME. But I mean seriously! Are we really expected to believe a country that's been through a great plague, a bitter civil war, and most recently a nearly successful barbarian invasion would still have the kind of manpower to crew enough ships to overflow the havens of Mithlond, Harlond *and* Forlond? I don't think so!!! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I must say though Professor Tolkien seems to have been much more interested in the history of Gondor, with its conquerors, and civil wars and wicked kings, than the chronicles of the North Kingdom. But then you know what they say about happy nations having no history!

05-05-2003, 08:57 PM	#15
Morwen Tindomerel Wight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minas Anor or Annuminas the Golden Posts: 187	I majored in history and so was trained to be wary of the spin chroniclers give their records! In all fairness though it should be remembered that 'objectivity' and rigid and complete accuracy weren't even ideals for historical writers until the twentieth century, (this is not to say that recent historians necessarily live up to these ideals but they are now the standard). The same was undoubtedly true of the chroniclers and annalists of ME. But I mean seriously! Are we really expected to believe a country that's been through a great plague, a bitter civil war, and most recently a nearly successful barbarian invasion would still have the kind of manpower to crew enough ships to overflow the havens of Mithlond, Harlond and Forlond? I don't think so!!! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] I must say though Professor Tolkien seems to have been much more interested in the history of Gondor, with its conquerors, and civil wars and wicked kings, than the chronicles of the North Kingdom. But then you know what they say about happy nations having no history!