“But Elwing with the Silmaril upon her breast had cast
herself into the sea. Thus Maethros and Maglor gained not the jewel; but it was
not lost. For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the waves, and he gave her the
likeness of a great white bird, and upon her breast there shone as a star the
Silmaril, as she flew over the water to seek Earendil her beloved. On a time of
night Earendil at the helm of his ship saw her come towards him, as a white
cloud exceeding swift beneath the moon, as a star over the sea moving in
strange course, a pale flame on wings of storm. And it is sung that she fell
from the air upon the timbers of Vingelot, in a swoon, nigh unto death for the
urgency of her speed, and Earendil took her to his bosom; but in the morning
with marveling eyes he beheld his wife in her own form beside him with her hair
upon his face, and she slept.”
We don't see swooning a lot in the Reading Room, but this passage begs an
exception. This is quite possibly one of the most romantic and beautiful
passages Tolkien ever wrote (and one of my very favorites). In fact, I don’t
want to analyze it at all really, except to comment that Tolkien could really
turn on the romance when he wanted to! Yet he never overdoes it; it’s always
stirring and subtle and leaves us wishing for more. Another wonderful thing
about his writing is his ability to write in a romantic, high style even in
places that aren’t inherently romantic. The battle between Fingolfin and
Morgoth comes to mind (you can't help but love Fingolfin for his bravery), or
Yavanna creating the two trees (such an intimate moment). Any other examples
you can think of? Favorites (or is this one of yours
too)?
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Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
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TORN 101
TORN Calendar
