Its interesting how Tolkien makes use of folkore - the Beryl in medieval times was considered to have magical powers - to bring health, good luck & long life, & being green, the colour associated with both Elves & nature its a perfect choice.
Also, the Athelas verse is similar to verses found in Anglo saxon & medieval times. A healing herb would not just be used as we use medicine today, there would be a prayer or invocation said over it as it was cut & as it was used.
There's an Anglo-saxon verse - the Nine Herbs charm, which contains the lines:
Quote:
This herb is called Stune; it grew on a stone,
it withstands poison, it resists pain.
It is called harsh, it fights against poison,
drives out the hostile one, casts out poison.
This is the herb that fought with the worm;
this power against poison, this power against infection,
this power against the foe who fares through the land.
trans: Rodrigues 'Anglo-Saxon Verse Charms, Maxims, & Heroic Legends.
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Its interesting to see how Tolkien was using ancient beliefs subtly, & adapting them for his mythology.