We continue with Tolkien… the great linguist, writer, philologist, university professor, and lover of words. He “sub-created” a tapestry of moving stories, using the power of words, capable of unfolding their meaning and creating “possible worlds”—desirable, believable worlds that gladden the heart.

Let’s delve into some characteristics of the Oxford Professor’s Tales and Legends. Because, when asked about the meaning of these stories, Tolkien gives us encouraging answers.

To inspire, to move, and to heal

In one of his Letters from the Epistolary, number 181, published by Editorial Minotauro, he says that his work is a fairy tale for adults: “…I believe that the fairy tale has its own way of  reflecting the ‘truth,’  different from allegory, satire, or ‘realism,’ and is, in some sense, more powerful. But above all, it must succeed as a story,  to excite, to please, and even sometimes to move.” 

A story that inspires, also  “sublimated by the charm of distance in time…” 

Stories possess several facets: a magical one, related to nature; a mystical one, connected to spirituality and the longings of the heart; but they also  serve as a mirror  of human behavior, like any  good myth in the classical sense. They reflect truths related to happiness or misfortune in the actions they portray. That is why they are  so inspiring , and they also help to reveal the meaning of life.   

He shares this philosophy of fairy tales with  G.K.  Chesterton . This author had also previously thought about and read on fiction, specifically writing about it in his book Orthodoxy in the chapter ”  Ethics in the  Land of the Goblins.”  He said that fairy tales possess a restorative and healing power for the mind, as they awaken a  fresh perspective on the natural realities of the world, which astonishingly repeat themselves with regularity, something that seems intentional… This led him to believe, during his time as an atheist, that everything was magical, and therefore there must be a “Magician” behind it all.  

Mythology is a “ quest , ” Chesterton points out… through  imagination  , as J.H. Newman knew, and through beauty. A search for truth. Specifically, he says: “ One seeks God through imagination or one seeks truth through beauty ” … And he continues, thinking: “Why shouldn’t it be so?”  

Tolkien also believed in the power of fairy tales to  restore and heal the mind,  as they offer a  healthy escape : from monotony at times, from the immediate, and from life’s difficulties and problems. But it is not an escape from reality, but rather a way to find joy and pleasure in possible and desirable stories.

Likewise, another function of stories is  to move  and inspire: something that touches the heart, because,  “ joy and sorrow are sharp as swords.” Furthermore  , and specifically in the work of this great artist of Middle-earth, they offer  solace in the form of joy :  a joy, sometimes unexpected, due to the “turn” it brings to a situation, which can bring tears to one’s eyes. This joy, he points out, is an  echo of the Joy of  the created world.  

What are  the stories about?

The Lord of the Rings, at first glance, is an epic tale about the One Ring of Power, which seeks to seize the hearts of Men and other races and characters. But  it has a will of its own,  and what it seeks is to find its master: the Dark Lord.

Throughout its legendary history, the freedom of each character and their specific mission are paramount  , as is preserving the beauty of Middle-earth, as the Elves do, and the arcane wisdom of  each people , with their ancient languages ​​that bring captivating stories to life. And many values ​​such as  loyalty and friendship, honor and sacrifice, oaths, true love, and always  hope, despite so many difficulties, dangers, looming shadows, and suffering, are also central.   

And the  captivating background of his work lies in  the beauty that he creates  and that shines forth, not only through the stories and tales that he “sub-creates,” but also through words and languages, through the poetry that “enchants,” and introduces each element into the History of creation, and through the “magic” of the adjective that paints wonderful singular worlds with the “power” of this singular Artist:  “the magician of words “…  As the title of a little book I recommend to you, by the expert Eduardo Segura, says.  

A world so beautiful that  it speaks  to each of us, because it resonates with the  noblest longings of the human heart .  Although there are also difficult, profound, and sad moments, even terrible ones, just like in the world we live in. But it always  connects with the truth  of things, with verisimilitude, and with  hope  everywhere, because that unexpected turn of events that changes everything and fills us with joy can always happen.

Some believe it is a struggle for power, or about the forces of good and evil, which are also present, but Tolkien tells us that “the great theme” and concern of his legend is  the Death of the human being , along with  his longings to remain,  for immortality and eternity.  

In Letter 211, he explains that  the story is not “ about” anything except itself …  And  if it is “about” something, it is not “power.”  “The quest for power is merely the motive that sets events in motion  and I think it is relatively unimportant. It is mostly about Death and Immortality; and about ‘escapes’: longevity and the treasuring of memory.”  

Perhaps it’s because he’s witnessed death since his early childhood: his father, when he was very young, far away and with almost no memories, then his mother… when he was barely 12, and his brother Hilary when he was 10. And the Great War. Which leads him to rethink many essential things.

Tolkien’s stories reflect humanity’s great themes,  the existential questions  we all ask ourselves, questions that concern us and give us meaning… In other words, those  primal desires  of humankind, of created nature, and of God himself. For example, the desire to  transcend the barriers of time and space … as he discussed with his friend C.S. Lewis; or  to communicate with other living beings  by understanding their language… And Tolkien points out that this is what gives fairy tales their “flavor.” 

For example, in The Lord of the Rings, there’s the character of  Tom Bombadil,  wise, cheerful, as old as the earth, who hums through the woods and connects with nature, or  Radagast the Brown , who is dazzled by that beauty and communicates with the beings of the forest…

And  Art , that gift that has been given to him… He is very aware that despite so much suffering and death, “beyond the circles of this world” there is something beautiful, eternal, lovely.

To be continued…

Don’t miss:  JRR Tolkien and his legendary