Suprising quotes in the LOTR - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Galadriel · 11-10-2011, 11:27 AM

I certainly wasn't expecting the word bastards in TTT. Tolkien uses mostly very prim and proper language, and then suddenly comes up with this word? I know he used it in a literal and not an offensive sense (though it was, really), but still.

Eönwë · 11-10-2011, 12:04 PM

Well, most words that are considered rude today were just the usual words a long time ago.

Galadriel · 11-10-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eönwë

Well, most words that are considered rude today were just the usual words a long time ago.

It wasn't that long a time ago

Inziladun · 11-10-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galadriel

I certainly wasn't expecting the word bastards in TTT. Tolkien uses mostly very prim and proper language, and then suddenly comes up with this word? I know he used it in a literal and not an offensive sense (though it was, really), but still.

Out of curiosity, in which chapter of TTT is that word found? I'm drawing a blank.

Galadriel · 11-10-2011, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Out of curiosity, in which chapter of TTT is that word found? I'm drawing a blank.

Shelob's Lair: "Far and wide her lesser broods, bastards of the miserable mates, her own offspring, that she slew, spread from glen to glen, from the Ephel Dúath to the eastern hills, to Dol Guldur and the fastness of Mirkwood."

Inziladun · 11-10-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galadriel

Shelob's Lair: "Far and wide her lesser broods, bastards of the miserable mates, her own offspring, that she slew, spread from glen to glen, from the Ephel Dúath to the eastern hills, to Dol Guldur and the fastness of Mirkwood."

Thanks. I didn't have the book with me.

Along the lines of what Eönwë said, that particular word had a neutral, everyday use at least until the 1970s, I think. Now though, you mainly hear it used as an insult.

Galadriel · 11-10-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Thanks. I didn't have the book with me.

Along the lines of what Eönwë said, that particular word had a neutral, everyday use at least until the 1970s, I think. Now though, you mainly hear it used as an insult.

Ah. Right. Thanks

And you're welcome

11-10-2011, 11:27 AM	#1
Galadriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: In Eldamar beside the walls of Elven Tirion Posts: 551	I certainly wasn't expecting the word bastards in TTT. Tolkien uses mostly very prim and proper language, and then suddenly comes up with this word? I know he used it in a literal and not an offensive sense (though it was, really), but still. __________________ "Hey! Come derry dol! Can you hear me singing?" – Tom Bombadil

11-10-2011, 12:04 PM	#2
Eönwë Flame Imperishable Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Right here Posts: 3,928	Well, most words that are considered rude today were just the usual words a long time ago. __________________ Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place