“Not all those who wander are lost.”

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

Looking at that list of different societies which are either shut off to, or not cooperative with, the outside world, it's interesting how many of these are places held by and for the side of 'good'. Where is Mordor? Well, it is a society which is not isolated; it is indeed closed off to its enemies, but it works closely with those other cultures which it has subsumed such as Harad and Umbar. Mordor counts amongst its hosts many soldiers and warriors of many different nations; these are well travelled minions, not restricted by staying at home. They wander more than most. I wonder what that means?

If for a moment I can sidestep Angry Hill Troll's comments, which point to an interesting distinction but which were posted while I thought about Lal's post, let me offer some ideas about place.

I think place can provide an opportunity for two things, simultaneously. On the one hand, a well enclosed place can be a means of containing fear of borderlessness and trespass, obviously. This creates an immediate value system of difference, wherebye that which is outside or external is that which is feared, possibly even a projection or denial of fearful elements internal to the community. In this case, what is left is the pettiness of, say, hobbits in their complacency and parochial habbits and values. We could even ring some ideas off the similarity of hobbit/habbit here. Insecurity breeds the need for borders.

On the other hand, well confined or defined spaces provide a means for releasing and exploring those pent up feelings of longing for limitless empty frontiers, freedom, independence. The boundary creates the desire for wandering. The call of the sea is a call of release for those pent up within the incredibly constructed layers of control which is Minas Tirith.

I have no idea where I am going with this.