when was lotr? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Sharkû*** · 01-14-2004, 04:16 AM

The imagined timeframe of the Legendarium is as stated above. However, that is just that - imagined. It plays on being actual history, but the author was well aware it isn't.

"G: It seemed to me that Middle-earth was in a sense as you say this world we live in but at a different era.
T: No ... at a different stage of imagination, yes." (Tolkien interview with the BBC in 1971)

It's therefore unlikely that a bridge of complete history between the two stages imagination and reality is desirable or possible. This also explains seeming contradictions in technological or cultural advancement.

01-14-2004, 04:16 AM	#8
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	The imagined timeframe of the Legendarium is as stated above. However, that is just that - imagined. It plays on being actual history, but the author was well aware it isn't. "G: It seemed to me that Middle-earth was in a sense as you say this world we live in but at a different era. T: No ... at a different stage of imagination, yes." (Tolkien interview with the BBC in 1971) It's therefore unlikely that a bridge of complete history between the two stages imagination and reality is desirable or possible. This also explains seeming contradictions in technological or cultural advancement.