Interesting read, thank you. I too wish we, in the modernised world, could integrate more with our natural world rather than constantly seek to dominate. We are, however, under certain stresses that the author's imagined world was not. Even the real world that the author lived in had only just began to see the affects of a rapidly increasing population density. One thing there seems no lack of in Middle Earth is space.
But even with that space, it is interesting to note how the author treats the movement of people and the effect migration has on the imagined environment. Perhaps most notably in how the author treats the migration of southerners into the Bree area, causing tensions which are foreshadowed during the hobbit's first stay at The Prancing Pony and ultimately culminate in the scouring of the Shire under the direction/coercion of a power hungry dictator.
I think in his created world, we see the author's idealism. A world in which relatively small groups of people have stewardship over their local environment, seemingly egalitarian in organisation.
Thank you for the article. I enjoyed the analysis. I will say however that I think there is beauty in the large mono-fields of crops. At least my part of North Carolina, farmers have had large fields of one crop for generations. Modern equipment just allows them to be more efficient, which allows them to support a greater population.
Anyway, I enjoy looking at the large swaths of farmland as I drive around the country or down to the outer banks. There is something beautiful of man obeying God in having dominion over nature. When I’ve worked in the garden, there is something satisfying of a job well done that I think large farmers have too.
Thank you again for the analysis and thoughts on LotR.
Love this, a fun and helpful application of Tolkien's work!
Another lovely little gardening detail in LOTR is that Faramir and Eowyn meet in the garden of the House of Healing, and then Faramir promises that they will build a garden in Ithilien after the war. Faramir seems to have a love for the land that aren't as apparent in his higher minded father and brother.
Love this so much. I’d love to see more Christians (and humans in general) applying these principles to how we steward the earth.
Exactly! I'd love to at least know that these sorts of ideas were part of the conversation more often than I see/hear them discussed.
Interesting read, thank you. I too wish we, in the modernised world, could integrate more with our natural world rather than constantly seek to dominate. We are, however, under certain stresses that the author's imagined world was not. Even the real world that the author lived in had only just began to see the affects of a rapidly increasing population density. One thing there seems no lack of in Middle Earth is space.
But even with that space, it is interesting to note how the author treats the movement of people and the effect migration has on the imagined environment. Perhaps most notably in how the author treats the migration of southerners into the Bree area, causing tensions which are foreshadowed during the hobbit's first stay at The Prancing Pony and ultimately culminate in the scouring of the Shire under the direction/coercion of a power hungry dictator.
I think in his created world, we see the author's idealism. A world in which relatively small groups of people have stewardship over their local environment, seemingly egalitarian in organisation.
@johnhalbrooks did an excellent reflection on the environment’s connection to LOTR. I applaud 👏🏻 likewise your writing here. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the article. I enjoyed the analysis. I will say however that I think there is beauty in the large mono-fields of crops. At least my part of North Carolina, farmers have had large fields of one crop for generations. Modern equipment just allows them to be more efficient, which allows them to support a greater population.
Anyway, I enjoy looking at the large swaths of farmland as I drive around the country or down to the outer banks. There is something beautiful of man obeying God in having dominion over nature. When I’ve worked in the garden, there is something satisfying of a job well done that I think large farmers have too.
Thank you again for the analysis and thoughts on LotR.
Love this, a fun and helpful application of Tolkien's work!
Another lovely little gardening detail in LOTR is that Faramir and Eowyn meet in the garden of the House of Healing, and then Faramir promises that they will build a garden in Ithilien after the war. Faramir seems to have a love for the land that aren't as apparent in his higher minded father and brother.
That's great! Totally forgot about that!!!