The word eucatastrophe (good catastrophe) was coined by J.R.R. Tolkien to describe what he believed was the essence and highest function of fairy-stories.
It is the sudden, unexpected joyous turn.
Tolkien explains, “In such stories when the sudden ‘turn’ comes we get a piercing glimpse of joy, and heart’s desire, that for a moment passes outside the frame, rends indeed the very web of story, and lets a gleam come through” (‘On Fairy-Stories’, 61).
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Seeing through Tolkien’s Eyes
Like those Middle-earth travelers in the Fellowship, I’ve often been stymied and puzzled. Struggling to move forward, I have almost missed the clues I needed in order to break through life’s obstructive barricades and tangled relationships. How do you find your way...
Things You Didn’t Know About Middle-earth Artefacts
by Zan CampbellArtefacts play a large role in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. As a matter of fact, rings themselves are part of the title! But weapons, armor, and other items also feature prominently in the story. So, here are a few facts you may not have known about...
Photo Contest Winner – homeandhoopco
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First Ever Photo Contest
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Rosemary Goat Cheese Mold with Fig Jam Topping
by Emily Wert @QueenNellie1 INGREDIENTS 3 8 oz packages cream cheese 1 10 oz log goat cheese 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper 2-3 cups fig jam Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve with water crackers...
TOLKIEN Movie Premiere thoughts
Review by Jim WertDragonCon High Fantasy Tolkien Enthusiast@MadeyeGamgee Still pondering my reflections on the Tolkien movie. My bottom line is this is a worthy effort worth any Tolkien fan investing in a ticket to go see. Yes, it's fictionalized, yes there are...
TOLKIEN movie discussion and review
TOLKIEN movie review
Best attempts to translate a classic fantasy from page to the big screen can be fraught with fiery danger. But attempting to render the author’s own story is even riskier. Producers’ most ingenious endeavors can “stand on the edge of a knife.”
Across previous months, we have joined the ranks of Tolkien fans and scholars round the globe in great anticipation and trepidation. Fortunately, the TOLKIEN movie does not disappoint . . .
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