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:
March 25th Launch
March 25th. A special day in Middle-earth. We re-launched our website on March 25th. Not a random day. 🙂 Enjoy this little video from John, and our posts this month based on the themes surrounding March 25th! Unlock immediate access with a free, no-obligation...
Tolkien’s Hope-filled Wonder
The Professor’s Legendarium launches us onto action-packed paths, full of suspenseful adventure. But there is so much more afoot as we head out with the Company. Join John Pletcher, a lover of literature and all things Tolkien, as he interviews John Sowers, a...
Sam’s “Welcome Back” Cake
A celebratory confection for very special occasions Lemon Cake with Mascarpone-Lemon Curd frostingYield: Makes 12-16 servings Lemon curd 3 cups sugar 9 lemons 6 eggs 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks) Cake 6 large eggs, separated 14 tablespoons sugar 1 3/4 cups sifted cake...
Elanorellë Rolls
These rolls are a routinely demanded favorite from Sam & Rosie’s firstborn (Elanorellë was Sam’s pet name for his daughter) Yield: Makes 24 rolls 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup water 1/2 cup shortening...
Essay – April 2020 Theme: Life in the Shire
Essay writers, we invite your responses! April's theme is: Life in the Shire. In anticipation of our April content, the essay question is: "If you could visit one Shire place with one Shire character, where and with whom would you visit? And why?" We look...
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Redemptive Signature
Three Rings for the Elven-Kings under the sky,Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die So begins The Lord of the Rings, “Nine [Rings] for Mortal Men doomed to die.” In years long ago, some suggested that Power or Domination...
Strider’s Snack
Astrid Tuttle Winegar Author, Cooking for Halflings & Monsters: 111 Comfy, Cozy Recipes for Fantasy-Loving SoulsAstrid Tuttle Winegar is the author of Cooking for Halflings & Monsters: 111 Comfy, Cozy Recipes for Fantasy-Loving Souls, which was a finalist in...
Tolkien’s Christmas Joy
I puzzle throughout December: “Is all of our holiday stress a recent-days phenomenon?” And in my most reflective moments, I ask, “Is there any way to find deeper joy in December’s rush and push?” J.R.R. Tolkien loved Christmas. He was so fond of Yuletide that...
Delving into Tolkien’s Dark Sides (Part 2)
Crashing rocks, flashing flames, and a crumbling bridge. The doom, boom, doom of Khazad-dûm echoes off the deep walls of our souls. We feel like we are running for our lives, in the thick of it with the Fellowship. Looking back, we tremble as the Wizard faces off with...
