Lord Of The Rings Research Articles

Fictionality in “Fog on the Barrow-downs”: Myth and Reference

Exploring fictionality as the link between imagined and referential reality, the paper draws on the theoretic al framework of cognitive narratology in examining the mechanisms on which the creation of myth relies in the narratives introduced at the beginning of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, in Chapters 7 and 8 of The Fellowship of the Ring. In the introductory section, the authors review relevant literature pertaining to the manner in which immersion occurs, how analogous links are formed between fiction and reality, and whether the pragmatic dichotomy of the fictional and factual holds in all fictional circumstances. Essentially, the reviewed literature offers an insight into how text reception depends on context and the imported or integrated rhetorical frame of the fictional text. Next, the paper uses these two chapters as illustration, with reference to the appendices relevant to their interpretation, from the perspective of the formulated framework. The concluding remarks summarise the importance of immersion, as well as other automatic processes activated during reading, in internalising truth programs contained within fiction and myths that render their fictionality almost irrelevant.

“It Shall Be Set in Imperishable Crystal”: A Representation of Hair Memorabilia in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

“It Shall Be Set in Imperishable Crystal”: A Representation of Hair Memorabilia in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

Semantics of Transition: Death and Resurrection of the Hero in Film Fantasy at the Turn of the 20th—21st Centuries

The article is devoted to the study of human metaphysical experience through cinema art. The material of the study is widely known fantasy films (“The Lord of the Rings”, “The Matrix”, “Harry Potter”, “The Chronicles of Narnia”, “Avatar”), in which the sacral space is realized as a magical fairy tale or a dream, and the hero acting in it is identified with the concept of “soul” or “consciousness”. The aim of the study is to semantically and cognitively analyze the visual image of transition through death, which is offered to the viewer by cinematography, and to model the director’s concepts included in it. The author’s concept of transition is based on the works of M. Eliade, A. van Gennep, C.G. Jung, M.P. Hall and is revealed as a multi-phase process of soul transformation in the conditions of spiritual or perceptual crisis. It is established that the transition scenario in the films considered includes an “entry point” into another world, a series of initiations and an “exit point”. In this context, death and resurrection are the climactic phase and have different symbolic connotations, their essence depending on the prototype that the hero imitates. As it has been revealed, the imitation of cyclical forces of nature (solar, agrarian deities) by contemporary directors is interpreted by them as a long stage of soul maturation, which is no longer opposed to, but naturally precedes the imitation of the “divine archetype” (in the Christian tradition, Christ the Saviour). The axis of transition from forced submission to the endless cycle of renewal to the evolutionary stage of spiritual maturity is the act of “awakening” expressed in the willingness to voluntarily sacrifice oneself out of love and compassion for others. Death and resurrection in this case manifest the metaphysical transformation of the soul aspect into the spiritual one. At the same time, in the process of studying the film material, a tendency of a transgressive nature was detected, namely the replacement of the concept “soul” by the concept “brain”. As a result of identifying the functions of the human brain with the functions of a computer in the mental space, there is a danger of substitution of the divine image by artificial intelligence, which can provoke the blocking of the channel “soul – spirit” and the involutionary turn from spirit to matter.

Cross-Media Industrial Expansion - Take "The Lord of the Rings" as an Example

Cross-Media Industrial Expansion - Take "The Lord of the Rings" as an Example

“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, J. R. R. Tolkien’s 1953 W. P. Ker Memorial Lecture: An Updated Chronology and Related Findings

ABSTRACT On 15 April 1953, J. R. R. Tolkien was at the University of Glasgow to deliver the W. P. Ker Memorial Lecture on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, later published in The Monsters and the Critics, and Other Essays (1983). Based on new archival research at Glasgow and Oxford, this article offers new information on Tolkien's appointment to deliver this lecture, his journey to and stay at Glasgow, and his relationship with Norman Davis (1913–1989), further illuminating the lecture’s significance in the context of Tolkien’s life as both an academic and creative writer, Tolkien’s links to Glasgow, and his academic and literary reputation at the time. The article, therefore, provides additional biographical, intellectual, cultural, and historical details related to the lecture at the time Tolkien was ushering his masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings (1954–1955), to print.

A Look at the Gaze in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

ABSTRACT The gaze plays a pivotal role in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, steadily generating tension, affecting the characters’ physical and psychical values, and even governing the very way the narrative unfolds itself. This essay’s intervention lies in framing its examination of vision, visuality, and the gaze in Tolkien’s novel through contemporaneous theoretical and philosophical approaches, specifically gaze theory. In addition to highlighting the ontological, phenomenological, and structural dimensions of Tolkien’s gaze, this essay also interprets the novel as a robust and complex theoretical work that enhances our understanding of the meaning and substance of the gaze as a totalizing component of ontological experience.

SOCIETY IN J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S TRILOGY THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Through literature, people learn about various people and societies at contrasting times. Writers have continually explored the importance of books in revealing a man’s race and the entire world of humankind. Furthermore, it shows the thoughts and feelings of writers of their times. This study utilized descriptive research using Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings as corpus of the study. The literary elements, the kind of society, and generalizations about the society portrayed in the trilogy were analysed using Sociocultural and Marxist theories. The society portrayed in the trilogy is communal, but it gradually shifts to associational because of the effects of the main character’s journey. It also portrays a regionalist society with its unique practices, rules, and languages. Furthermore, this trilogy includes various settings that aid in scrutinizing the kind of society it portrays like the Shire, which can be described as a communal society that shows personal and intimate interactions. Industrialization is correspondingly seen in some associational societies caused by alienation among members of the society that later resulted in a slow cultural extinction. Regionalism is also presented with the inclusion of different races, cultures, languages, and practices. With these, some generalizations concluded consist of the nature of humans to want power and the tendency to be greedy, true love, and loyalty among friends, the unification of different races, and the triumph of goodness against evilness, and the effects of war in society. Finally, the trilogy shows that anyone can grow and learn from their experiences to realize their full potential through interaction in society.

Abandoning the Quest? High/Epic Fantasy and the Challenges of the Anthropocene

The aim of this article is to determine why the prototypical form of high/epic fantasy cannot effectively address the present environmental, social and political problems gathered under the umbrella term of the Anthropocene. Drawing on Marek Oziewicz’s concept of planetarianist fantasy and scholarship on the Anthropocene, as well as on examples of selected fantasy series (J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Stephen R. Donaldson’s The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Fionavar Tapestry, and Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time), this article investigates the sub-genre’s most persistent components and juxtaposes them against issues related to ethnicity, species interconnectedness, non-human agency, sustained urban development and urban ethics which are raised by Anthropocene debates. This analysis will illustrate why the form of high/epic fantasy requires reconfiguration so that it can continue to evolve together with the needs of contemporary readers.

CONFLICT IN JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN’S NOVEL LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

This study explores the intricate conflicts experienced by the protagonist in J. R. R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Focused primarily on internal and external conflicts, the narrative follows a fellowship of nine individuals united by their quest to destroy the malevolent Ring, possessed by the dark lord Sauron, in the fiery depths of Mount Doom. Throughout their journey, the protagonist grapples with multifaceted challenges, providing rich material for analysis. Employing a literary psychological approach, this study draws upon Kenney's theory of conflict typologies to explore the protagonist's inner turmoil and the adversities encountered externally. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative method, the research meticulously examines these conflicts to unveil their profound significance within the narrative. The findings of the study underscore the protagonist's dual struggle, comprising internal and external conflicts. Internally, the protagonist contends with the classic conflict of man versus himself, navigating doubts, fears, and moral dilemmas. Externally, a complex web of conflicts unfolds, encompassing interpersonal clashes (man versus man), societal discord (man versus society), and the formidable forces of nature (man versus nature). By dissecting these conflicts, the study illuminates the psychological and narrative depths of Tolkien's work, revealing the protagonist's arduous journey as a reflection of universal human struggles against both inner demons and external adversities.

Влияние автора искусственной литературной вселенной на взаимосвязь типа квазиреалии с ее функцией (на материале литературных вселенных Дж.Р.Р. Толкина и Ф. Герберта)

This paper examines the correlation between the type and function of quasi-realia, as well as the influence that the author of the work has on this correlation. Due to the growing popularity of artificial universes (film universes, literary universes, game universes, etc.) in recent years, the question has arisen of analyzing the realities that the author creates for his artificial world, i.e., quasi-realia. Two of the most famous and large-scale literary universes were used as research material – the epic novel “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien and “Dune” by F. Herbert. This study examines the functions and types of quasi-realia of both literary universes and also conducts a factor analysis for the existence of a relationship between the concept of the literary universe, its author, and the type-function pair of quasi- realia.

3D special effects modelling based on computer graphics technology

Cinema has radically transformed due to 3D special effects modelling, a product of advancing computer graphics technology. This field has significantly impacted entertainment and technology, and is now extending its reach beyond. A basic understanding of 3D modelling is crucial, obtainable through academic resources that provide historical context and insights. The journey begins with the emergence of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the mid-20th century, pioneered by innovators like Ivan Sutherland. We progress to the 1980s, where film and gaming intersected, resulting in landmark films like "Tron". These movies showcased the storytelling potential of CGI. The 1990s further demonstrated CGI's capacity to blend with live-action footage, with films like "Jurassic Park". By the 2000s, filmmakers fully harnessed 3D modelling, creating immersive cinematic experiences like "The Lord of the Rings". The democratization of 3D modelling and its integration with virtual production and augmented reality have since expanded its applications. We conclude by looking forward, where emerging technologies promise to further integrate 3D modelling into our lives, reshaping fields like gaming and navigation. This essay will explore the evolution and impact of 3D special effects modelling.

An Analysis of the Female Images in Tolkiens Works: Galadriel, owyn and Arwen

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is well recognized for his notable contributions to the genre of heroic romances, as shown by his renowned works, namely The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Consequently, he is widely regarded as the progenitor of contemporary fantasy literature. The study aims to examine the principal female characters in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, namely Galadriel, owyn, and Arwen, employing textual analysis and comparative study as the primary methods. The former two individuals serve as exemplars of female warriors, characterized by their courage, strength, unwavering convictions, and relentless pursuit of their aspirations. The latter represents a somewhat less favorable portrayal of the female image. Arwen, being designated as the "second sex", is shown with a dearth of individual narratives and distinct characteristics, primarily serving as a supporting figure to the male protagonists within the story. Nevertheless, despite the deficiencies in Tolkien's depiction of female representations, the merits of his work ultimately surpass the drawbacks.

Storytelling as an Engagement Strategy: J. R. R. Tolkien and the Journey of the Common Hero

The present paper sought to understand the use of storytelling as a capable tool of Strategic Communication on generating engagement among J. R. R. Tolkien’s fans. The elements of storytelling found in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” are examined, such as the influences of that tool on promoting engagement based on Tolkien’s narratives, which are marked by Hero’s Journey. Furthermore, the practice of storytelling relates to the concept of engagement in order to demonstrate how the storytelling present in Tolkien’s narratives is capable of engaging the writer’s fan community. Finally, the relationship between storytelling, engagement, and Tolkien is developed jointly, which contributes to the research in the Strategic Communication area.

The Embeddedness of Mind, Body and Spirit in Nature: An Exploration of Ecopsychological Tenets in The Lord of the Rings

Tolkien’s trilogy - The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1954), and The Return of the King (1955) - is among the most analysed and studied classics in the world. It contains various themes which can be explored from several perspectives and in different contexts. The way nature is represented with the attribution of strong agency and the significance of strong communication between the human psyche and nature are worth mentioning since the trilogy provides an opportunity to explore the ecopsychological cruciality of human-nature togetherness for tranquillity in the human soul and sanity in the human mind. Moreover, with fictional places like Mordor and Isengard, the trilogy brings the degradation and destruction of nature to attention. Elvish geographies and the Shire enable us to appreciate and celebrate reciprocal and affirmative relations with nature. The psychology, unity, and agency of Nature with spiritual and fantastic characters such as Ents are foregrounded in the novel. By focusing on the fictional characters, this article aims to explore the ecopsychological facets of the places in the trilogy and how the human psyche is affected depending on natural or greenless places.

Копендіум некласичних міфопрактик Дж. Р. Р. Толкіна: міфо-логічний аналіз

Background. The relevance of our research is indicated by the high level of involvement of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien's creative compendium in shaping and constructing modern culture. Over the past twenty-three years of the 21st century, a significant number of projects have articulated and realized their own interpretations of J. Tolkien's mythology. It is enough to mention Peter Jackson's film trilogies, "The Lord of the Rings" (2001-2003) and "The Hobbit" (2012-2014), a series of video games in various genres by Chris Cornell, William Gordon, and Jill Eckhart, such as "The Lord of The Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth" (2004, 2006), Eric Gewirtz's "The Lord of the Rings: Conquest" (2009), John Fleming, Lucas Riting, and Ruf Tomandi's "The Lord of the Rings: War in the North" (2011), among others. Method. Our research's method is based on the mytho-logic method, which involves interpreting myth in the context of its logic and structure (in the interpretation of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Silmarillion"). Results. An interpretation of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Silmarillion" in harmony with the logic of myth through its axioms and laws has been carried out, demonstrating the mythic nature of these texts through their full compliance with the axioms and laws of myth logic. The interpretation of "The Lord of the Rings" through structural analysis of selected narrative variants has been articulated. Twelve main mythemes have been identified and their significance for the mythic narrative has been argued. The images of Gollum, Sméagol, Faramir, and Frodo have been interpreted through a mythic matrix, where the first represents the unconscious Shadow of any subject, the second is a subject attempting to contend with it, the third is a subject that conquers it, and the fourth is a sum of the Hero's image, one who has no "simple life" in a "simple world." Conclusions. We consider our mytho-logic to be a valid method for interpreting myths of any spatial and temporal category. It is worth noting that mytho-logic, like any non-classical humanities method, is not purely ideal and does not have all the answers. Any interpretation is an interpretation, neither worse nor better, but the question here lies in the substantiation of conclusions. We deem our research to be substantiated, although unfinished, as new mythemes of "The Lord of the Rings" can and should be explored, new combinations of these mythemes interpreted differently, and explanations offered. This demonstrates the inexhaustibility of meanings in myth, non-classical approaches, and mytho-logic as a method.

Geo-spatial Dynamics and Alternative Reality: Exploring the Convergence of Real and Virtual Worlds in A Song of Ice and Fire and The Chronicles of Narnia

George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia have carved a niche in the realm of fantasy fiction. Enduring popular success over the decades, they have become a part of modern day popular culture alongside Rowling’s Harry Potter and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. With the creation of alternative geo-spatial domains in the form of Westeros, Essos, and Narnia, Martin and Lewis succeeded in creating an alternative reality for their works. Readers are immediately thrust into the political intrigues affecting the continents of Westeros and Essos in A Song of Ice and Fire; on the other hand, they are treated to elements of fantasy, magic, and supernatural creatures in Narnia. Fictional geography is a discipline unto itself, a fantastic hybrid of real geography and literary fiction. Martin and Lewis have imagined vast worlds that bear some resemblance to the real world in which we live, but frequently colored with imaginary features found only in our dreams. With the inclusion of complex geographical features, fantastic birds and animals (including dragons), the worlds of Westeros and Narnia come across as strange, but not wholly alien; they bear striking similarities to the cities and geography known to us. A case to point is the Free City of Braavos which is the mirror image of Venice. Thus, the writings of George R.R. Martin and C.S. Lewis strike a balance between the fantastic and the familiar, while handling geo-spatial dynamics, succeeding in the creation of an alternative reality.

Readings on Evolution and the Nature of Science: One Christian’s Perspective

Readings on Evolution and the Nature of Science: One Christian’s Perspective

Part of whose world? The Little Mermaid, fantasy media, and casting backlashes as racial projects for social studies classrooms

PurposeConversations around diversity, race and science fiction and fantasy films/television have sparked in response to recent casting decisions made in the upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Star Wars' Obi-Wan Kenobi (Deggans, 2022; Romano, 2022). Backlash against casting of actors of Color in these genres highlights racial projects where a cultural memory of whiteness comes up against multicultural change. The authors of this paper feel that there is great potential in using current-day racial issues around fantasy films/television to explore these racial projects with students in social studies classes (Omi and Winant, 2014).Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative textual analysis (Peräkylä, 2005), the authors examined online news media outlets addressing the casting of actors of Color in the aforementioned media pieces. After reviewing over twenty articles, the authors determined two major themes that would serve as the findings.FindingsIn this paper, themes of nostalgia for an imagined ‘way things were’ and future-based fears of how things will become emerged from the analysis, revealing a need for engaging students in the history of sci-fi and fantasy media, and the existing, diverse histories of storytelling featuring multiple races.Originality/valueThe authors argue that examining racial projects found in contemporary sci-fi and fantasy casting are chances for students to understand complex racial histories and how they blend into current-day cultural landscapes, and are opportunities to practice analysis of real-life racial histories and richly-imagined fantasy worlds, noticing how and why the two often collide when it comes to race.

Rendering of genre-stylistic specificity when translating fantastic realities in science fiction (using the example of the translation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” ).

This article is devoted to the study of the problem of the transfer of genre-stylistic specificity in the translation of fantastic realities in science fiction. Using the example of the translation of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings", the author analyzes the methods and techniques of translation used to preserve the authenticity and magic of the original text. The article is based on a comprehensive analysis of translations of the work into different languages, taking into account the cultural and linguistic characteristics of each language. The author highlights key aspects, such as the translation of fantastic terms, names and concepts, as well as the transfer of the atmosphere and style of the book of J.R.R. Tolkien. The results of the study allow us to conclude about the importance of professionalism and cultural competence of the translator in the transmission of fantastic worlds, names of heroes, events, places where the events of a literary work develop, adaptation of the literary image for the Russian-speaking reader and provide practical recommendations for specialists or future specialists in the field of translation of literature and science fiction. The features of the transfer of genre-stylistic specificity in the translation of sci-fi in books are revealed, using the example of the translation of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings".

Book Review: Tolkien’s Faith, A Spiritual Biography

Ordway draws many comparisons between The Lord of the Rings and biblical themes or events from Tolkien’s life. For instance, she suggests that Tolkien’s experience of forgiveness which he learned from Fr Francis Morgan appears in the theme of forgiveness and mercy in The Lord of the Rings in which Frodo’s act of mercy for Gollum is repaid.