It feels different near the Shire.... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Child of the 7th Age · 09-30-2002, 11:30 AM

Bethberry --

I totally agree that the Demeter/Persephone legend certainly has strong echoes in Goldberry and her charming husband. And that Tolkien took that ancient myth and translated it in his own terms. But I would also say that one of the terms he took into consideration in that translation was the soul of the English countryside.

Whatever else Tom may or may not have become, his origins were clearly as "the spirit of the (vanishing) Oxford and Berkshire countryside" as stated in a letter of 16 December 1937.

Now, let me run off and post that strange thread which I fear may not resonate with anyone else, but I truly feel compelled to get it off the top of my head.

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[ September 30, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

09-30-2002, 11:30 AM	#11
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Bethberry -- I totally agree that the Demeter/Persephone legend certainly has strong echoes in Goldberry and her charming husband. And that Tolkien took that ancient myth and translated it in his own terms. But I would also say that one of the terms he took into consideration in that translation was the soul of the English countryside. Whatever else Tom may or may not have become, his origins were clearly as "the spirit of the (vanishing) Oxford and Berkshire countryside" as stated in a letter of 16 December 1937. Now, let me run off and post that strange thread which I fear may not resonate with anyone else, but I truly feel compelled to get it off the top of my head. sharon, the 7th age hobbit [ September 30, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ] __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.