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09-13-2004, 01:43 AM | #22 | |
Illustrious Ulair
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties
Posts: 4,240
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Its interesting how Tolkien makes use of folkore - the Beryl in medieval times was considered to have magical powers - to bring health, good luck & long life, & being green, the colour associated with both Elves & nature its a perfect choice.
Also, the Athelas verse is similar to verses found in Anglo saxon & medieval times. A healing herb would not just be used as we use medicine today, there would be a prayer or invocation said over it as it was cut & as it was used. There's an Anglo-saxon verse - the Nine Herbs charm, which contains the lines: Quote:
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