There’s odd idioms, I’ve heard tell
Tolkien used the colloquial or dialectal expression hear tell a few times in The Lord of the Rings. This expression appears in lots of dictionaries, and its meaning is simple to explain: to hear it said or to have been told (of). The interesting thing about this expression, to my mind, is the grammar. It…
The Naming of Galadriel
J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation of character names involved a multi-step process. Starting from the initial concept of “Queen” and “Tree-Queen,” he experimented with various forms like Galdrien, Galadrien, and Galadriel, until settling on a satisfactory sound and shape. Eventually, he reworked the languages to align with the character’s evolving concept. This iterative process showcased a dynamic…
Too Deep We Delved
In a discussion at the Council of Elrond, Glóin’s use of “we” indicates an inclusive identity with the Dwarves, not participation in actions. Similarly, Aragorn’s speech reflects a spokesperson role for the Dúnedain. This distinction in the usage of “we” showcases the complex nature of group identity in various contexts.
Who do you mean by “we”?
The inclusive and exclusive readings of the pronoun “we” reveal nuanced relationships between characters. This linguistic distinction impacts our understanding of scenes throughout the book. Examining interactions between Frodo and Gildor, as well as Théoden and Saruman, highlights the subtleties of inclusivity and exclusivity in communication. The Lord of the Rings offers a rich exploration…
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A Hobby for the Tome 