Foray into Science Fiction Fandom (9)

Lord of the Rings is not Science Fiction. It falls into a cousin category known familiarly as "Fantasy." For some fans, the distinction is bewilderingly impassable, while non-nerds consider the terms interchangeable. They're both right. Some writers have skillfully entwined the two genres, although most writers choose one or the other; an imagined past-like or a futuristic reality. It's more complicated than that, I think, but not a necessary discussion. Most Star Wars fans also like LotR, probably because SW has large elements of fantasy mixed in with the sci-fi.

I am awed by Tolkien's epic, but mostly it makes me cry. My other blog will contain a more scholarly interpretation of his fantasy. Here I am simply going to list all the things that make me get all misty.

The Elven singing. The ring-taint on Bilbo. Frodo's strength under a burden he did not earn. Isildur's weakness and the unearned self-reproach that it brought to Aragorn and his kin (it reminds me profoundly of Germany). Recognizing Gandalf's mortality. Samwise's fathomless loyalty. Arwen and the love that brought her death. (Liv Tyler and Bogart-Bacall Syndrome). The failing of the Fellowship. Boromir's repentance and the Horn of Gondor. The tainting of The Shire. The tragic contrast of Tom Bombadil. The self-sacrifice of war. The ghosts of damned men. Madness and deception, the leadership of fools. Meaningless suicide. Little people that change the world. The passing of magic from Middle Earth - the death of beauty (reminiscent of a Catholic GofE). Some who go to a final rest and leave the remnant behind. A great and gentle High King. Every breathtaking set.

As I re-watch the trilogy, more shall most likely be forthcoming.

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