Riders, Chivalry, and Knighthood in Tolkien

Abstract This essay is a much extended version of the paper I gave at the IMC Leeds on 5 July 2017. It examines Tolkien’s complex attitude towards the concept(s) of chivalry and knighthood. A close reading analysis of relevant key passages from The Lord of the Rings is combined with an examination of his statements on chivalry in his scholarly works. Tolkien’s views are then related to the scholarly discourse on the key elements of chivalry, which allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of why Tolkien depicts the representatives of chivalry/knighthood in The Lord of the Rings the way he does

The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (2016), by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Verlyn Flieger

Book review of The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (2016) by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Verlyn Flieger, reviewed by Thomas Honegge

The Hobbit and Tolkien\u27s Mythology (2014), ed. Bradford Lee Eden

Book review of The Hobbit and Tolkien\u27s Mythology (2014), ed. Bradford Lee Ede

“What have I got in my pocket?” – Tolkien and the Tradition of the Rings of Power

The question of where Tolkien found his inspiration for the One Ring has occupied fans and scholars alike for decades, and many rings real, fictional or legendary have been proposed. My paper takes a fresh look at the evidence and provides an overview of possible sources of inspiration from contemporary literature and archaeology. My research suggests that there was not one single source of inspiration but rather three rings that served as models, each of which contributed an important element to Tolkien’s concept of his One Ring. These models are: The Ring of Gyges, the Ring of Charlemagne, and Wagner’s Ring. The last of these is of central importance since Tolkien seems to have developed his One Ring in opposition to and as a critical ‘re-write’ of Wagner’s Ring of Power

Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology through Mythology with the Maker of Middle-earth (2022) by Austin M. Freeman

Book review, by Thomas Honegger, of Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology through Mythology with the Maker of Middle-earth (2022) by Austin M. Freema

The Enigmatic Loss of Proto-Hobbitic

This paper investigates two questions. First, why did Tolkien assign the Hobbits “a Mannish language of the upper Anduin, akin to that of the Rohirrim” (LotR, Appendix F 1130) as the first language of which we have some knowledge? Second, why does Tolkien deny the Hobbits a distinct linguistic identity and turn them into linguistic chameleons

'luf-talkyng' in Medieval Literature 3

Die Vorlesungsfolien (als Powerpoint) und Handouts (als PDF

\u27Uncle me no uncle!’ Or Why Bilbo Is and Isn’t Frodo’s Uncle.

This paper investigates the nature, role and functions of Bilbo and Frodo\u27s family relationship and the use of seemingly contradictory genealogical terminology within The Lord of the Rings

‘We don’t need another hero’ – Problematic Heroes and their Function in Some of Tolkien’s Works

This paper discusses the potentially problematic nature of certain forms of heroism in Tolkien’s works and their representatives, such as Túrin Turambar or Beorhtnoth. It analyses not only the problems that may arise on the battlefield from an excess of pride (ofermod), but it also investigates the problem of how to contain and deal with the more aggressive forms of military prowess when its energies are not employed on the battlefield or in fighting an adversary such as a dragon. As will be shown, Tolkien contrasts his ‘unlucky’ heroes implicitly with heroic figures such as Aragorn Elessar, who tempers heroism with humility, wisdom, and self-restraint

The Inklings, the Victorians and the Moderns: Reconciling Tradition in the Modern Age (2020), by Christopher Butynskyi

Book review, by Thomas Honegger, of The Inklings, the Victorians and the Moderns (2020) by Christopher Butynsky