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).
Our latest content:
Go OR Stay?
Three Courageous Tolkien Concepts Too often, I can be a play-it-safe kind of person. Good doors swing open. “Should I walk through?” Roads diverge. “Which one shall I choose?” (Often, standing still and making no decision just feels easier.) That unique invitation...
A Very Happy Birthday to J.R.R. Tolkien
A very Happy Birthday to John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, who was born on 3 January 1892. May his books continue to experience many happy returns!On a related note, in a 1965 letter to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien asked, “Do you think you could mark the New Year by...
Roundtable Discussion – Zan and Dan
Please enjoy this excerpt of a discussion with Zan Campbell, founder of Fell & Fair concerning the upcoming Amazon series. Zan is a brilliant fan and student of Tolkien and his works and his company makes unique products that are rooted firmly in an accurate knowledge of Tolkien and his works.
As a subscriber to the January 2019 edition, you’ll have access not to only this video but also the rest of the content from January 2019 edition!
Eden, The Spoiling of Middle-Earth, and Hope
In the afterword of Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien, Tom Shippey writes: "In a letter he wrote to his son Christopher in 1945, Tolkien remarked, 'certainly there was an Eden on this very unhappy earth. We all long for it, and are...
Fell & Fair Roundtable
Please enjoy this excerpt of an interview with Zan Campbell, founder of Fell & Fair. Zan is a brilliant fan and student of Tolkien and his works and his company makes unique products that are rooted firmly in an accurate knowledge of Tolkien and his works.
As a subscriber, you’ll have access to not only this video, but also the rest of the content from December 2018 (including articles, imagery and two amazing Middle Earth recipes!)
Lamb Chops with Guinness Glaze
Recipe for Lamb Chops with Guinness Glaze
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
2 cups (16 oz) Guinness Stout
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 Tblsp coriander seeds, crushed*
1/2 tsp black peppercorns, crushed*
…
Subscribe to the December 2018 edition today and you’ll receive access to this page, the rest of the December edition, and and SIX months of bonus content!
Hobbit-y Herb Salad
Ingredients
1 small head butter lettuce
1 small head red leaf lettuce
1 cup baby arugula
1 cup baby spinach
…
Subscribe to the December 2018 edition today and you’ll receive access to this page, the rest of the December edition, and and SIX months of bonus content!
Tolkien and Christmas Wonder
DECEMBER 2018 Bundle Tolkien and Christmas Wonder by Dan Cruver “Well here comes Christmas! That astonishing thing that no 'commercialism' can in fact defile – unless you let it.” —J.R.R. Tolkien to his son Michael in a letter dated 19 December 1962 My most memorable...
A Christmas Note from Tolkien
Imagine getting the above Christmas note from J.R.R. Tolkien... If you had received that note as a gift from him, how would it rank as one of the most thoughtful or memorable gifts you've ever received? Let us know! Here's the transcription of Tolkien's Christmas...
