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:
Greenway Split Pea Soup
This month, we are going Deep with the Balrogs in Khazad-dûm. In my original cookbook, this soup was offered on the extensive menu of the Prancing Pony chapter, so I’ve kept the original text that accompanied the recipe in the voice of Butterbur. In my revised...
Call for entries – November 2020
October's theme is: Gollum & Gratitude In anticipation of our November content, the essay question is: Reflect on your favorite "Gollum scene" in Tolkien's books. Briefly and creatively retell the scene in your own words, placing yourself in the story. Then share...
In the Depths on the Bridge with the Balrog
Doom, doom, doom. Haunting booms rumble from below. The fiery whip and fleeing Fellowship. A resolute Wizard. Alas, Gandalf slips into the abyss. As readers encounter one of the most famous scenes in all of Tolkien’s legendarium, we are enveloped in awe. So deep and...
Deep with the Balrogs in Khazad-dûm
We will enjoy a recipe, essay reflections our normal discussions, as well as submissions from YOU, our readers! Feel free to join us in the comments! Eucatastrophe members have unrestricted access to the whole site!Eucatastrophe members have unrestricted access...
Ten facts about Professor Tolkien at School (part 2)
In part 1, we saw our first five facts. We highlighted Tolkien’s creative writing at an early age. Plus, we considered his mother’s big impact on such early cultivation. We reviewed school locations across his lifetime, the fact that he was not always an exceptional...
The Professor’s Descent
Frodo's descent into the fallen lands of Mordor evokes a sense of Dante's infernal descent. He is weary from following a wizened guide on an epic journey, rife with fear, suffering, monstrosities, and an ever-increasing gloom. Frodo's dangerous odyssey has crossed...
Tolkien’s Mindful Mastery
Within the expansive Western canon, there is perhaps no more stirring passage than that which concludes Professor J.R.R. Tolkien’s fifth chapter of the fifth book of The Lord of the Rings, entitled “The Ride of the Rohirrim.” To refresh, the Rohirrim—that...
Interview with Dr. Devin Brown
Devin Brown Dr. Devin Brown is a Lilly Scholar and Professor of English at Asbury University where, in addition to other literature classes, he teaches a course on Lewis and Tolkien. He is also the Director of Asbury’s First-Year Honors Seminar. He has a Ph.D. from...
Blancmange Puffs
Since it is “Back to School” time, in whatever capacity that means for all of us during this pandemic, I thought I would wax a bit academic. Being the casual linguist I am, I see the word blancmange and I assume it means “white food.” Being the Monty Python fanatic I...
