These are the archives from 2010-2018 for the discussion forum hosted by the UNM Hobbit Society at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, USA. The purpose of our group is to meet and associate with others interested in Tolkien, and to learn more about the author, his written works, and his sources through discussion, guest lectures and academically oriented activities. This blog is intended to expand discussion among UNM Hobbit Society members beyond what meeting times allow.
I think Tolkien emphasized music in the creation of Middle-earth because music is something tangible and easy to imagine in the mind. Having Iluvatar and the Ainur simply "think up" the world (like God does in Genesis) is dull and not "literary". Song gives the reader something to visualize that is more tangible than just thought.
Also, I think Tolkien really appreciated the power of music and song. Songs are prevalent throughout his works. Songs are powerful and Tolkien uses them in his works to pass on history to future generations. Therefore, I think Tolkien finds music a fitting way for Middle-earth to be created.
I agree with what Elwing said - I think the biggest reason was that Tolkien appreciated the power of music, not only in his invented world, but I would think in real life as well. I think music can be so moving and other-worldly sometimes...
The use of music as a means of creation also just gives a unique spin to Tolkien's world.
okay. #2 first. I was pretty sure the Eldar were fancy High Elves. I could be wrong, but that's what I recall the Eldar being. I am now second guessing myself but you know.
And now for #1. I think Tolkien chose music to emphasize the beauty of creativity and a very relatable personification of the creative process as a whole, and within his work. If that makes sense
So I discovered this Elven lineage chart thing in the back of my copy of The Silmarillion. And it looks like the Eldar were the first elves. And then from them sprang off the subgroups like the Noldor, etc. I think I'm reading this family tree right, but someone correct me if I'm wrong. So basically the Valar and the Eldar are not related because the Eldar are some of the first children of Iluvatar.
Music not only gives credibility to Tolkien's world but also gives a unique personality and set of values for each race. At the same time, Music also brings unity and a shared history among the races.
5 comments:
I think Tolkien emphasized music in the creation of Middle-earth because music is something tangible and easy to imagine in the mind. Having Iluvatar and the Ainur simply "think up" the world (like God does in Genesis) is dull and not "literary". Song gives the reader something to visualize that is more tangible than just thought.
Also, I think Tolkien really appreciated the power of music and song. Songs are prevalent throughout his works. Songs are powerful and Tolkien uses them in his works to pass on history to future generations. Therefore, I think Tolkien finds music a fitting way for Middle-earth to be created.
I agree with what Elwing said - I think the biggest reason was that Tolkien appreciated the power of music, not only in his invented world, but I would think in real life as well. I think music can be so moving and other-worldly sometimes...
The use of music as a means of creation also just gives a unique spin to Tolkien's world.
okay. #2 first. I was pretty sure the Eldar were fancy High Elves. I could be wrong, but that's what I recall the Eldar being. I am now second guessing myself but you know.
And now for #1. I think Tolkien chose music to emphasize the beauty of creativity and a very relatable personification of the creative process as a whole, and within his work. If that makes sense
So I discovered this Elven lineage chart thing in the back of my copy of The Silmarillion. And it looks like the Eldar were the first elves. And then from them sprang off the subgroups like the Noldor, etc. I think I'm reading this family tree right, but someone correct me if I'm wrong. So basically the Valar and the Eldar are not related because the Eldar are some of the first children of Iluvatar.
Music not only gives credibility to Tolkien's world but also gives a unique personality and set of values for each race. At the same time, Music also brings unity and a shared history among the races.
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