Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Tolkien and the Invention of Myth A Reader by Tolkien & The Invention Of Myth A Read. At what stage in J.R.R. Tolkien's reading of other literatures and mythologies did he conceive of the fantastic mythology of Middle-earth that has become so deeply entrenched in contemporary culture? At what point did medieval epic and legend spark Tolkienian myth? The eighteen essays in Tolkien and the Invention of Myth examine the ancient Greek, Latin, Old Norse, Old English, and Finnish sources from which Tolkien appropriated the concepts, images, characterizations, contexts, and theories that inform his own fictional narratives and . Understanding his invented mythologies requires a rediscovery of those tales of larger-than-life gods and heroes found in northern myths. A well-rounded and essential reader for any Tolkien lover, the book includes several essays that provide background and context, explaining Tolkien's literary aesthetic and his interest in folklore, his love of philology, and the philosophical and religious underpinnings of his narratives. Among the contributors are well-known medievalists and Tolkien scholars , Michael Drout, , David Lyle Jeffrey, , and Richard West. Tolkien and the Invention of Myth identifies the various medieval mythologies woven into the elaborate tapestry of Tolkien's work, making it a vital contribution to the study of one of the twentieth century's most influential authors. About the Author: Jane Chance, a professor of English at Rice University, specializes in medieval mythography and is general editor of three series, The Library of Medieval Women, the Praeger Series on the Middle Ages, and Greenwood Guides to Historic Events in the Medieval World. She is the author of more than eighteen books, editions, and translations, including Tolkien’s Art: A Mythology for England and The Lord of the Rings: The Mythology of Power. Bibliographic Details. Title: Tolkien & The Invention Of Myth A Read Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky Publication Date: 2004 Binding: Hardcover Book Condition: new. “Tolkien and the Invention of Myth,” edited by Jane Chance. The main points in this essay are how Tolkien came to create the mythology of Middle-Earth and what Tolkien believed mythology and fairy stories were. Michaela Baltasar discusses Tolkien’s discovery and writing of The Lord of the Rings and the creation of Middle-Earth. Baltasar uses excerpts from Tolkien’s letters and “On Fairy Stories” to explain Tolkien’s process. Tolkien did not agree with the two main fairy tale authors of his time about what fairy tales and mythology are for. Tolkiens arguments against those authors is shown and examples are used to support the arguments. The essay portrays how Tolkien’s mythology is a reaction to the authors and how the mythology of Middle-Earth represents Tolkien’s belief of what fairy stories and mythology should be. The essay is a great one to start with if one would like to study or learn how Tolkien’s world came to be. It is also a good reference for learning the purpose and meaning behind the creation of the Middle-Earth stories. This essay is easy to follow, well supported, and well written. It takes from outside sources from Tolkien such as “On Fairy Stories” and his letters. The tales of Middle-Earth are also referenced. The sources help to support the arguments of the essay. “A Rediscovery of Myth” is incredibly useful. It gives a good, strong explanation of Tolkien’s works and how they came to be. I found it very helpful in understanding The Lord of the Rings and with understanding where Tolkien was coming from. It is interesting to read and well supported. I would recommend this essay to anyone who wishes to know more about the origins of The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien’s mythology. “” On the Borders of Old Stories”: Enacting the Past in and The Lord of the Rings ,” by Alexandra Bolintineanu. Alexandra Bolintineanu begins this essay by mentioning the strong influence that Beowulf had on Tolkien. Then, the essay goes on to compare Beowulf and The Lord of the Rings by showing the similarities between the texts. There are many similarities between these two stories. Bolintineanu goes on to illustrate Tolkien’s comment about how death and immortality are the main themes of The Lord of the Rings with references from the books themselves. The essay discusses how Frodo’s journey mirrors or is similar to historical tales such as the tale of Eärendil. It ends with comparing the legendary narrative of The Lord of the Rings and Beowulf to a conversation and being another similarity that the texts share. This is a good essay to reference. It is well written and well researched. It is a good example of how similar Beowulf and The Lord of the Rings are with each other. The two texts share multiple similarities and this essay does a good job at show casing those similarities. It is a good representation of how Beowulf influenced Tolkien’s works. I would recommend this essay to anyone who reads The Lord of the Rings , especially to those who have not recognized the similarities between Beowulf and The Lord of the Rings . Tolkien was largely influenced by Beowulf and it is important that those who want to understand where certain elements came from. I feel like it is an excellent source for understanding Tolkien and it does a good job with comparing the two texts. “ Norse and Christian Gods: The Integratice Theology of J.R.R. Tolkien ,” by Marjorie Burns. This essay explores the similarities and elements Tolkien used in his works between the Norse Gods and the Valar. It discusses how Tolkien was very fond of mythology and the issues within Norse mythology. Marjorie Burns goes on to show how many of the Valar seem to be versions of Nordic ones, but with more focused domains and better morals. Tolkien removed the bloodlust and immorality that was common among the Norse Gods and created his Valar. Burns also talks about Tolkien softening the Nordic view of Death and various other changes made to ‘fix’ the Norse Gods. Tolkien’s Valar were more in line with his Christian beliefs. This essay is really well written and discusses the similarities and differences between the Valar and the Norse Gods in an unbiased way. It is very interesting and offers a perspective that is seen through Tolkien’s text that is overlooked at times. The examples used in the essay to support the claims are good examples and represent what Burns is trying to show. I found this essay very helpful because is discusses the Nordic elements in the texts. I would recommend this essay to students who have an interest in how some of Tolkien’s characters came to be and their influences. And also to those who are interested in Norse Mythology and its connection to The Lord of the Rings . I have always seen Nordic elements in the texts and was glad to see why that is. This essay is a good source in my opinion to help form a deeper understanding of Tolkien’s works. “Providence, Fate, and Chance: Boethian Philosophy in The Lord of the Rings,” by Kathleen Dubs. This essay examines the elements of Boethian philosophy in The Lord of the Rings . Providence, fate, and chance are evident throughout The Lord of the Rings . Kathleen Dubs starts with an explanation of why there would be Boethian elements in Tolkien’s works and a little about Boethian philosophy. She then explains how and where Boethian philosophy is seen in the series by quoting parts from Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy along with passages from The Lord of the Rings that correlate. Providence and fate are discussed as being connected to one another and not separate ideas. Chance is described as being fate with an unexpected outcome. This source would be a decent source for someone who would like to learn about the works that may have influence Tolkien outside of the major ones known and elements that appear in Tolkien’s works. The essay offers a philosophy that few other critics have when reviewing The Lord of the Rings . I found this essay useful because it helps explain some of the seemingly contradictory statements in the text when fate and providence are discussed. Also, as Dubs stated, few other critics have suggested Tolkien being influenced by Boethian philosophy, so it offers a fresh insight to some elements. “A Mythology for Finland: Tolkien and Lӧnnrot as Mythmakers,” by Verlyn Flieger. This essay discusses why Tolkien may have wanted to create or give a mythology to England that was all its own. Verlyn Flieger talks about how the development of a Finnish mythology by Elias Lӧnnrot influenced Tolkein’s desire to do the same for England in a sense. Flieger shows how a mythology for Finland greatly influenced the increast of nationalism of Finland and gave Finland an identity apart from Russia and Sweden. Tolkien was inspired to try and do something similar for England. Although, he ultimately did not achieve that goal in the sense that his mythology did not invoke English Nationalism, but it did give England something new and unique. This essay is interesting and gives a good perspective on why Tolkien decided to undertake the task of writing a mythology for England. There is supporting examples from Tolkien as well as from other sources. It was, however, speculative in many parts. It suggested that Lӧnnrot’s success with the mythology for Finland did have an influence, but there was not a lot of support for the extent of the influence. I liked this essay. It was nice to read about something that inspired Tolkien from a country outside of England and that inspired the motivation to create Middle-Earth. It was also neat learning about how the coming about of Finnish mythology effected the people of Finland and I can understand why Tolkien would want to try and achieve the same thing for his own country. “”Light from an Invisible Lamp”: Natural Religion in The Lord of the Rings,” by Catherine Madsen. This essay discusses the natural religion that is present throughout The Lord of the Rings . Catherine Madsen argues that, while there is religion in The Lord of the Rings , it was not necessarily Christianity. Madsen suggests that The Lord of the Rings has a ‘natural religion’ to it. Natural religion is defined in this chapter so the reader understands what Madsen means by ‘natural religion’. The author uses excerpts from various parts of the novels to support her claim that it is not necessarily Christianity. She uses Tolkien’s lack of a directly mentioned god figure and his implications of a religious undertone to support her argument. This would be a good source to use for this class because it gives a different perspective to reading the books while still keeping within a religious viewpoint. It presents an alternative interpretation of the religious undertones. Part of this class is to learn to see varying viewpoints and interpretations of The Lord of the Rings . This essay is well written and has good support for the main aspect that is being presented. I found the essay helpful because, as stated above, it gave me an account of a different insight to the books. I like how it presented a religious view without a specific religion. In a way, it helps to explain various motifs to those that may not have a Christian background. “Creating and Re-creating the Worlds with Words: The Religion and Magic of Language in The Lord of the Rings,” by Mary Zimmer. In this essay, Mary Zimmer discusses the language used in The Lord of the Rings , the magic it possess, and its connection to religion. Zimmer uses example from The Lord of the Rings which showed the “word magic” and the “name magic” present throughout the text. She compares that magic to God’s word. Examples from the Silmarillion , such as how Middle-Earth was created, were compared to how God created the Earth and the similarities between them. The author explains how the language of The Lord of the Rings shows the power that language has. This is done by using examples such as Tom Bombadil and the Barrow-wraiths, the forbidding of using Sauron’s name, and how the language of the Ents is described. This essay is well written and unbiased. Examples from literature are used to support and demonstrate the theories presented. This essay would be good to use if a student is researching the power of language and how it is used in The Lord of the Rings and other Middle-Earth works. Also, it shows a connection between The Lord of the Rings and religion through language (the Word of God, power of true names, language reflecting what is, creation, etc.). In my opinion, this essay is an interesting read for those either researching the language of Tolkien, researching Tolkien’s works in general, or those interested in the subject period. It gives a simple and easy to follow perspective on the language that is so strongly used throughout the text. I thought it was a good essay to read, because it did offer a perspective one might not think about while reading Tolkien. Tolkien and the invention of myth : a reader / E-ZBorrow is the easiest and fastest way to get the book you want (ebooks unavailable). Use ILLiad for articles and chapter scans. If your book is not available on E-ZBorrow, you can request it through ILLiad (ebooks unavailable). You can also use ILLiad to request chapter scans and articles. Holdings Description Table of Contents Comments Similar Items Staff View. Tolkien and the rediscovery of myth / Michaela Baltasar Light from an invisible lamp : natural religion in the Lord of the Rings / Catherine Madsen Creating and re-creating worlds with words : the religion and the magic of language in the Lord of the Rings / Mary E. Zimmer Tolkien as philologist / David Lyle Jeffrey Saving the myths : the re-creation of mythology in Plato and Tolkien / Myth, late Roman history, and multiculturalism in Tolkien's Middle-Earth / Sandra Ballif Straubhaar From catastrophe to eucatastrophe : J.R.R. Tolkien's transformation of Ovid's Mythic Pyramus and Thisbe into Beren and Lúthien / Jen Stevens Providence, fate, and chance : Boethian philosophy in the Lord of the Rings / Kathleen E. Dubs Tolkien and the appeal of the pagan : Edda and Kalevala / Tom Shippey Norse and Christian gods : the integrative theology of J.R.R. Tolkien / Marjorie J. Burns The twilight of the elves : Ragnarö k and the end of the Third Age / Andy Dimond Gathered round northern fires : the imaginative impact of the Kolbıt́ ar / Andrew Lazo A mythology for Anglo-Saxon England / Michael D.C. Drout Oaths and oathbreaking : analogues of Old English Comitatus in Tolkien's myth / John R. Holmes On the borders of old stories : enacting the past in Beowulf and the Lord of the Rings / Alexandra Bolintineanu A mythology for Finland : Elias Lö nrott and J.R.R. Tolkien as mythmakers / Verlyn Flieger Setting the rocket off in story : the Kalevala as the germ of Tolkien's legendarium / Richard C. West J.R.R. Tolkien and the Kalevala : some thoughts on the Finnish origins of Tom Bombadil and Treebeard / David Elton Gay. Similar Items. The evolution of Tolkien's mythology : a study of The history of Middle-earth / by: Whittingham, Elizabeth A., Published: (2008) One ring to bind them all : Tolkien's mythology / by: Petty, Anne C. Published: (2002) One ring to bind them all : Tolkien's mythology / by: Petty, Anne C. Published: (1979) Tolkien's art : a mythology for England / by: Chance, Jane, 1945- Published: (1979) The rise of Tolkienian fantasy / by: Lobdell, Jared, 1937- Published: (2005) Search Tips. 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Tolkien's reading of other literatures and mythologies did he conceive of the fantastic mythology of Middle-earth that has become so deeply entrenched in contemporary culture? At what point did medieval epic and legend spark Tolkienian myth? The eighteen essays in Tolkien and the Invention of Myth examine the ancient Greek, Latin, Old Norse, Old English, and Finnish sources from which Tolkien appropriated the concepts, images, characterizations, contexts, and theories that inform his own fictional . Read More. At what stage in J.R.R. Tolkien's reading of other literatures and mythologies did he conceive of the fantastic mythology of Middle-earth that has become so deeply entrenched in contemporary culture? At what point did medieval epic and legend spark Tolkienian myth? The eighteen essays in Tolkien and the Invention of Myth examine the ancient Greek, Latin, Old Norse, Old English, and Finnish sources from which Tolkien appropriated the concepts, images, characterizations, contexts, and theories that inform his own fictional narratives The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Understanding his invented mythologies requires a rediscovery of those tales of larger-than-life gods and heroes found in northern myths. A well-rounded and essential reader for any Tolkien lover, the book includes several essays that provide background and context, explaining Tolkien's literary aesthetic and his interest in folklore, his love of philology, and the philosophical and religious underpinnings of his narratives. Among the contributors are well-known medievalists and Tolkien scholars Marjorie Burns, Michael Drout, Verlyn Flieger, David Lyle Jeffrey, Tom Shippey, and Richard West. Tolkien and the Invention of Myth identifies the various medieval mythologies woven into the elaborate tapestry of Tolkien's work, making it a vital contribution to the study of one of the twentieth century's most influential authors. Read Less. All Copies ( 5 ) Softcover ( 4 ) Hardcover ( 1 ) Choose Edition ( 2 ) Book Details Seller Sort. 2008, University Press of Kentucky. Edition: 2008, University Press of Kentucky Trade paperback, Good Details: ISBN: 0813192013 ISBN-13: 9780813192017 Pages: 360 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky Published: 2008 Language: English Alibris ID: 16635272668 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,65. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Good. More than average wear and tear, but item is usable. ► Contact This Seller. 2008, University Press of Kentucky. Newport Coast, CA, USA. Edition: 2008, University Press of Kentucky Trade paperback, New Details: ISBN: 0813192013 ISBN-13: 9780813192017 Pages: 360 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky Published: 2008 Language: English Alibris ID: 16580872169 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,65. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: New. ► Contact This Seller. 2008, University Press of Kentucky. Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM. Edition: 2008, University Press of Kentucky Trade paperback, New Details: ISBN: 0813192013 ISBN-13: 9780813192017 Pages: 360 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky Published: 2004 Language: English Alibris ID: 16636204564 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,65. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: New. 360 pages. 8.90x5.90x0.90 inches. ► Contact This Seller. 2008, University Press of Kentucky. Newport Coast, CA, USA. Edition: 2008, University Press of Kentucky Trade paperback, Good Details: ISBN: 0813192013 ISBN-13: 9780813192017 Pages: 360 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky Published: 2008 Language: English Alibris ID: 16518509374 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,65. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Seller's Description: Good. ► Contact This Seller. 2008, University Press of Kentucky. Edition: 2008, University Press of Kentucky Hardcover, New Details: ISBN: 0813123011 ISBN-13: 9780813123011 Pages: 360 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky Published: 2004 Language: English Alibris ID: 16687036777 Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: €3,65. Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination. Tolkien and the Invention of Myth. At what stage in J.R.R. Tolkien's reading of other literatures and mythologies did he conceive of the fantastic mythology of Middle-earth that has become so deeply entrenched in contemporary culture? At what point did medieval epic and legend spark Tolkienian myth? The eighteen essays in Tolkien and the Invention of Myth examine the ancient Greek, Latin, Old Norse, Old English, and Finnish sources from which Tolkien appropriated the concepts, images, characterizations, contexts, and theories that inform his own fictional narratives The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Understanding his invented mythologies requires a rediscovery of those tales of larger-than-life gods and heroes found in northern myths. A well-rounded and essential reader for any Tolkien lover, the book includes several essays that provide background and context, explaining Tolkien's literary aesthetic and his interest in folklore, his love of philology, and the philosophical and religious underpinnings of his narratives. Among the contributors are well-known medievalists and Tolkien scholars Marjorie Burns, Michael Drout, Verlyn Flieger, David Lyle Jeffrey, Tom Shippey, and Richard West. Tolkien and the Invention of Myth identifies the various medieval mythologies woven into the elaborate tapestry of Tolkien's work, making it a vital contribution to the study of one of the twentieth century's most influential authors. "Well worth reading" -- Modern Fiction Studies. "The written-down equivalent of a roundtable discussion. They trace his back (to Norse myth-to old England-to the classics) and have a wonderful time doing so." -- Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette. "Shows how Tolkien gathers ancient and medieval sources, transforming them into a work applicable to and approachable by a contemporary reader mostly ignorant of any myths beyond the Disney-fied versions." -- Seven. "A superb collection of insightful articles. Provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades." -- The Historian. "Every one of these articles provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades." -- The Historian.