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:
“The Resurrection is the Eucatastrophe of the story of…”
"The Resurrection is the eucatastrophe of the story of the Incarnation. This story begins and ends in joy." What does the word “Eu-cata-strophe” mean? To answer this question, we must always remember that J.R.R. Tolkien was first and foremost a student of languages....
Essay – May 2020 Theme: The Water and the Music
May's theme is: The Water and the Music. In anticipation of our May content, the essay question is: What is the most captivating water scene in Tolkien's Legendarium? Reflect on that one scene—perhaps a sea, river, or waterfall—that most vividly captures your...
Tolkien Quotes
The power of story. Enjoy these quotes . . . and appreciate them all the more as you recall how they fit into their individual stories.Unlock immediate site-wide access with a free, no-obligation 30-Day trial.Unlock immediate access with a free, no-obligation 30-Day...
Interview with Astrid Winegar
Astrid Tuttle Winegar Author, Cooking for Halflings & Monsters: 111 Comfy, Cozy Recipes for Fantasy-Loving SoulsfacebooktwitterinstagramThis month's theme is "Life in the Shire." How could we possibly talk about life in the Shire without food? Right. So this month...
Bombur’s Pork-Pie
Our springtime theme is “Life in the Shire,” where we all may take Glory in the Ordinary. I will present to you a complete meal. This pie is requested by our beloved Bombur, as you might remember in The Hobbit. A lovely salad will follow, and we’ll finish our Shire...
Bag-End Biscuits
I don’t know about you, but I adore shortbread cookies. My husband Bob says he dislikes shortbread cookies because he thinks they are boring, but he likes these. It must be the icing and the intensely orange flavoring that make these not-so-boring. I make fun of my...
Over the Hill and Across the Water Salad
Perhaps you might have some delicate lettuces growing in your garden. Feel free to substitute dried blueberries or cranberries for the cherries, if you prefer; a Feta cheese will also work well in this salad.Over the Hill and Across the Water Salad 5-6 cups light...
Shire Seasoning
I invented this dry seasoning mix to flavor many of the recipes in my original cookbook, though I have ended up using it in so many other dishes. You probably have these seasonings already in your pantry. Make up a batch and you’ll be ready to make all sorts of...
Life in the Shire
April 2020 theme: Life in the ShireIf you’re in need of fresh hope, color-rich clarity, and some sense of recovery, you’re going to LOVE April’s Eucatastrophe bundle. Tom Shippey says, “The Shire is indeed a brilliant invention.” It’s a winsome synopsis of one of...
