Do we live in Middle-earth? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gandalf_theGrey · 06-10-2002, 07:31 PM

* smoking a conversational pipe, nods a greeting of acknowledgment to Losthuniel, Great Warg, and Bethberry *

Leto's post and Tolkien citation that "Middle Earth is here" have started me thinking, particularly when viewed in terms of the Professor's philosophy of "the long defeat."

"The long defeat" wherein one tragedy follows another as a result of Arda's / Earth's marring continues to play out around us in this current Age, as anyone reading the newspaper headlines can observe, and will continue until the world be made new.

How then to respond to this Middle Earth in which we find ourselves? I would say, with a wholesome Hobbitlike faithful resolve based on the belief that even the smallest individual is of immense value and can change the world. With hope even when you cannot see any. With a love great enough to give of self and take risks.

I am fortunate to know a "real life" Tom Bombadil, who happens to be a natural historian by profession, and with whom I work once in a while on a living history program. He hosts a dinner each year at his house for those of us who adventure with him.

And I am fortunate to have spent time with Elves. In September of 1996, one such Elf bestowed upon me a gift, which I have kept since then on a small table in my living room as a reminder. The gift was a token of encouragement in a world where the path can often be uncertain. May it remind me to stand firmly as I can no matter how much the bridge crumbles.

To my mind, there are parallels enough, with no need for an entire physical parallel universe.

Gandalf the Grey

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

06-10-2002, 07:31 PM	#12
Gandalf_theGrey Visionary Spirit Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 633	* smoking a conversational pipe, nods a greeting of acknowledgment to Losthuniel, Great Warg, and Bethberry * Leto's post and Tolkien citation that "Middle Earth is here" have started me thinking, particularly when viewed in terms of the Professor's philosophy of "the long defeat." "The long defeat" wherein one tragedy follows another as a result of Arda's / Earth's marring continues to play out around us in this current Age, as anyone reading the newspaper headlines can observe, and will continue until the world be made new. How then to respond to this Middle Earth in which we find ourselves? I would say, with a wholesome Hobbitlike faithful resolve based on the belief that even the smallest individual is of immense value and can change the world. With hope even when you cannot see any. With a love great enough to give of self and take risks. I am fortunate to know a "real life" Tom Bombadil, who happens to be a natural historian by profession, and with whom I work once in a while on a living history program. He hosts a dinner each year at his house for those of us who adventure with him. And I am fortunate to have spent time with Elves. In September of 1996, one such Elf bestowed upon me a gift, which I have kept since then on a small table in my living room as a reminder. The gift was a token of encouragement in a world where the path can often be uncertain. May it remind me to stand firmly as I can no matter how much the bridge crumbles. To my mind, there are parallels enough, with no need for an entire physical parallel universe. Gandalf the Grey [ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]