The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/index.php)
-   The Books (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9)
-   -   Nonsense Rhyme (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=19263)

Balfrog 07-22-2018 10:59 AM

Nonsense Rhyme
 
Was there meaning attributed by Tolkien to the words 'fal, lal, derry & dol' in Bombadil's poetry?

Ms. Seth seems to think so:

https://priyasethtolkienfan.wordpres...e-final-stage/

A potential linkage back to Michael Tolkien's Dutch Doll is an interesting idea. But, for me, just as intriguing is the willow-wren character from the Bombadil Goes Boating poem, and how buried in her notes that the 'happy day' of the poem might have been our St. Stephen's day – December 26th!

Rune Son of Bjarne 05-23-2024 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balfrog (Post 712121)
Was there meaning attributed by Tolkien to the words 'fal, lal, derry & dol' in Bombadil's poetry?

Ms. Seth seems to think so:

https://priyasethtolkienfan.wordpres...e-final-stage/

A potential linkage back to Michael Tolkien's Dutch Doll is an interesting idea. But, for me, just as intriguing is the willow-wren character from the Bombadil Goes Boating poem, and how buried in her notes that the 'happy day' of the poem might have been our St. Stephen's day – December 26th!

I like overanalyzing things as much as the next fellow, but to try to find a deeper meaning with nonsensical songs of Tom Bombadil is probably stretching it. No doubt Tolkien had a specific reason for writing as he did, but anything beyond "contributing to the whimsical nature of Tin Bombadil", is bound to be speculative in the extreme.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:41 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.