Man behind the Mythology - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh · 12-01-2004, 04:34 PM

In which the most significant passage on anti-semitism is this one:

Quote:

I regret that I am not clear as to what you intend by arisch. I am not of Aryan extraction: that is Indo-iranian; as far as I am aware none of my ancestors spoke Hindustani, Persian, Gypsy or any related dialects. But if I am to understand that you are enquiring whether I am of Jewish origin, I can only reply that I regret that I appear to have no ancestors of that gifted people... the main part of my descent is... purely English... I have been accustomed, nonetheless, to regard my German name with pride, and continued to do so throughout the period of the late regrettable war... I cannot, however, forbear to comment that if impertinent and irrelevant inquiries of this sort are to become the rule in matters of literature, then the time is not far distant when a German name will no longer be a source of of pride.

(Letter #30)

There are also several personal attacks on Hitler, of which this is the longest:

Quote:

There is a great deal more force (and truth) than ignorant people imagine in the 'Germanic' ideal. I was much attracted by it as an undergraduate (when Hitler was, I suppose, dabbling in paint and had not heard of it)... I suppose I know better than most what is the truth about this 'Nordic' nonsense. Anyway I have in this war a burning private grudge... against that ruddy little ignoramus Adolf Hitler [for]... Ruining, perverting, misapplying, and making for ever accursed, that noble northern spirit, a supreme contribution to Europe, which I have ever loved, and tried to present in its true light.

(Letter #45)

Tuor of Gondolin · 12-01-2004, 06:15 PM

Both correct. But Bethberry was first, so it looks like it's BBs turn.

Bêthberry · 12-03-2004, 01:04 PM

Thank you Tuor of Gondolin and welcome back Squatter (not to be confused with an old American tv show.)

Here's one for the season: What was Tolkien's earliest recollection of Christmas?

Fordim Hedgethistle · 12-03-2004, 01:05 PM

Oo, oo, I think I know this one -- didn't he remember having a variety of South African evergreen as a Christmas tree??

Bêthberry · 12-03-2004, 01:22 PM

You've clearly forgotten about the wildebeest with the pomegranate nose, Fordim. And the sparkly spider decorations for the tree.

Any one else?

Estelyn Telcontar · 12-03-2004, 01:40 PM

I found a direct statement in Letter 56:

Quote:

My earliest recollection of Christmas is of a blazing hot day.

Bêthberry · 12-03-2004, 01:47 PM

Amazing how chat clears up a few stray possibilities.

And written in a letter to Christopher, who was in South Africa at the time. Ironies!

And now Estelyn, I believe you have some work to do...

12-01-2004, 06:15 PM	#2
Tuor of Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, WtR, passed Sarn Gebir: Above the rapids (1239 miles) BtR, passed Black Rider Stopping Place (31 miles) Posts: 1,548	Both correct. But Bethberry was first, so it looks like it's BBs turn. __________________ Aure Entuluva!

12-03-2004, 01:22 PM	#5
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Dickens in Bloemfontein You've clearly forgotten about the wildebeest with the pomegranate nose, Fordim. And the sparkly spider decorations for the tree. Any one else? __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

12-03-2004, 01:47 PM	#7
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Amazing how chat clears up a few stray possibilities. And written in a letter to Christopher, who was in South Africa at the time. Ironies! And now Estelyn, I believe you have some work to do... __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

12-03-2004, 01:04 PM	#3
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Thank you Tuor of Gondolin and welcome back Squatter (not to be confused with an old American tv show.) Here's one for the season: What was Tolkien's earliest recollection of Christmas? __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

12-03-2004, 01:05 PM	#4
Fordim Hedgethistle Gibbering Gibbet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Beyond cloud nine Posts: 1,844	Oo, oo, I think I know this one -- didn't he remember having a variety of South African evergreen as a Christmas tree?? __________________ Scribbling scrabbling.