'Good' uses of technology? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

zxcvbn · 01-14-2008, 09:43 AM

In Tolkien's works industry and technology are typically associated with the evil side(war machines with wheels and gears, steam engines, the new mill in Hobbiton etc., created by Orcs and Evil Men). But there are a few examples of it being used for good purposes. eg. The Clocks used in the Shire, Gandalf's fireworks, the Toys of Dale etc. What other 'good' uses could machinery be put to in Middle-earth?

My suggestions:

1.Astronomical instruments. The Gondorians astudied astronomy. Perhaps they created telescopes, astronomical calculators etc.(in real life, astronomical clocks for studying the position of heavenly bodies date back to ancient Greece, so why not?)

2.Navigation aids for mariners and travelers. Compasses, astrolabes etc.(once again, these have been used since early medieval times, so they wouldn't be too advanced for Middle-earth)

What are your opinions? Can you suggest other examples?

01-14-2008, 09:43 AM	#1
zxcvbn Wight Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In front of my PC Posts: 164	'Good' uses of technology? In Tolkien's works industry and technology are typically associated with the evil side(war machines with wheels and gears, steam engines, the new mill in Hobbiton etc., created by Orcs and Evil Men). But there are a few examples of it being used for good purposes. eg. The Clocks used in the Shire, Gandalf's fireworks, the Toys of Dale etc. What other 'good' uses could machinery be put to in Middle-earth? My suggestions: 1.Astronomical instruments. The Gondorians astudied astronomy. Perhaps they created telescopes, astronomical calculators etc.(in real life, astronomical clocks for studying the position of heavenly bodies date back to ancient Greece, so why not?) 2.Navigation aids for mariners and travelers. Compasses, astrolabes etc.(once again, these have been used since early medieval times, so they wouldn't be too advanced for Middle-earth) What are your opinions? Can you suggest other examples?