Great topic,
Corwyn! This is indeed a very well defined notion in Tolkien's works. The quote that most eloquently expresses the concept to me is found in ROTK Bk. VI, Chapter 4: The Field of Cormallen
Quote:
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And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed. And he sang to them, now in the Elven-tongue, now in the speech of the West, until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness.
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Indeed, not all tears are an evil, as Gandalf might say (did say at the Grey Havens!). This concept is an exquisite one, sought after for years by C.S. Lewis as well, this painful joy. It is captured so well in so many places in Tolkien's works and is one reason I keep reading them over and over and over... [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
Cheers!
Lyta