At the Root of the Tree of Tales: Using Comparative Myth and "On Fairy-Stories" to Analyze Tolkien's Cosmogony

Published on 15 December 2013 | Conference Paper

This paper explores the cosmogony of Middle-earth using the ideas that Tolkien put forth in "On Fairy-Stories," looking especially at how Tolkien drew from cosmogonical archetypes found throughout world mythology to make a creation myth worthy of a believable Secondary World.

The Sailing Forth

Published on 21 July 2013 | Short Story | Author's Choice 

One oppressive summer in Tirion, Anairë is sent by her father to Alqualondë. A diligent scholar and obedient daughter, Anairë has never made time for love, but finds her womanhood awakened by the most unlikely of romantic partners: Eärwen, daughter of the Telerin king. As the summer draws to a close, both women must accept that their obligations to their families and people do not allow much space for their love.

Character Biography: Mahtan

Published on 1 February 2013 | Essay

The story of Mahtan, the father of Nerdanel, is one among many tales that illustrates the potential of knowledge to corrupt and lead to evil.

Character Biography: Vairë the Weaver

Published on 1 May 2012 | Essay

Although barely present in the published Silmarillion, Vairë emerges in Tolkien's earlier writings as a remarkably empathetic character and an apt foil to her cold-hearted husband Námo.

The Bearer of Light

Published on 10 March 2012 | Short Story | Reader's Choice 

Fëanor has been summoned from exile by the Valar to attend a feast on Taniquetil and with the expectation that he bring the Silmarils. His refusal to bring the Silmarils reveals the growing madness of his House and the forebodes disastrous events to come.

This work is part of the collection Felakverse.