There was a little corner of his mind that was still his own, and light came through it, as through a chink in the dark: light out of the past. It was actually pleasant, I think, to hear a kindly voice again, bringing up memories of wind, and trees, and sun on the grass, and such forgotten things.
- The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R.Tolkien
Now is the time to read The Lord of the Rings again. Re-visiting Middle-earth is a comfort to me, beginning with a familiar Hobbit hole, cosy and warmed by a roaring fire and good food. It begins quietly, with Hobbits enjoying the fruits of their land. Unbeknownst to them a darkness has been awoken and is spreading rapidly. The darkness will soon reach the Shire, where the Hobbits live. Something must be done to protect the goodness of the world.
Enter in a wizard named Gandalf and a Hobbit named Frodo. They both sacrifice everything to rid the world of the darkest evil, the one ring. It is an adventure story about letting go. Rarely do we read a story about a quest to let go. It is usually about acquiring something. This is the kind of story that makes you want to be brave. It makes you want to do whatever it takes to help save your friends. It shows how deep friendships sown will remain steadfast and true, even when everyone is split up all across Middle-earth and they feel alone.
The road is perilous. Places once assumed to be safe no longer are. Danger follows. Shadows wait for the passing of good. And yet, there are places still that glow in beauty. There is a refuge of safety and magic in the house of Tom Bombadil. Elves welcome travelers into their protected lands for a period of rest amidst the misty waterfalls and leaf-hewn paths. Ancient woods that were asleep for ages come alive as the trees wake up.
How many times can I read these books and feel some different, deeper inspiration from them? Something not noticed before? Every time, I say. These three, thick books are the result of the intense, intricate, painstaking efforts of J.R.R. Tolkien. If it were not for the encouragement given to him by his friend C.S. Lewis, Tolkien would never have finished the books. He was that painstaking, writing and re-writing chapters and whole sections of the story because it didn't live up to what he thought they should be.
These books are masterpieces. You must read them. I know the movies are widely known, and they do a good job with bringing the story to life. But as I always say, the books are always better. They always are, and I do not waver for a moment in that claim here. It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you desire to read the greatest fantasy adventure story that no other author could ever match, you read The Lord of the Rings.
Do you have a comfort read that you turn to in strange times?
No comments:
Post a Comment