LOTR, a fairytale? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

02-08-2004, 01:06 PM

Do you think Lord of the Rings more resembles a myth or a fairytale/folktale? And why?
I know it is neither, but anyway I would be interested in hearing your opinion.
Thanks!

Kransha · 02-08-2004, 01:26 PM

I think it's more of a mythic history than a "fairy-tale." I mean, it is Tolkein's third age myth for Britain, as it was described. The aspects and writing are designed to resemble a mythic piece of work, such as the Iliad or Oddysey (not written in verse, though). This also explains the amount of songs and poetry, relating to many legends. LotR and the Silm are intricate portrayals of Middle-Earth's past and present, written like a historic document with a more up-close and personal feel.

Gorwingel · 02-09-2004, 10:41 PM

I think Kransha hit the nail on the head. A mythic history is exactly what I would call it. I don't really consider it a fairy tale just because...

1) Most of the fairy tales I have read have been pretty short (yes, I know there are most likely longer tales out there, it is just that I have not read them)

2)It does not contain fairy tale charaters in the generic sense (meaning there are no fairies, and the elves and dwarfs are much more real in a way)

3)It seems much more real in a way (And, yes, I have read the original non-disney Fairy Tales. LOTR is still different)

I think it could be kind of considered a story in the style of folktales in a way. But it would have to be considered a grand, mythic, folktale

Ashton · 02-09-2004, 11:44 PM

I think that LotR is both a myth and a fairy tale. It is a myth because it is more of a story and it had more detail in it than a normal fairy tale. It also has a lot of poetry and songs in it that you would never find in a fairy tale.

I think it is also a fairy tale for a few reasons. It has a lot of fairy tale creatures in it, such as dragons, elves and dwarves. Also myths contain things based on fact. I don't think that anything in the LotR could happen in real life. Of course I could be wrong about my definitions of myhts and Fairy Tales. (Cringing at sudden hateful glances thrown in my direction)

Lathriel · 02-10-2004, 11:35 AM

I definitly think it is kind of like a myth. Tolkein seemed to draw most of his inspiration from them and he was always interested in the few ancient myths England had.

02-08-2004, 01:06 PM	#1
Felis Dei Guest Posts: n/a	LOTR, a fairytale? Do you think Lord of the Rings more resembles a myth or a fairytale/folktale? And why? I know it is neither, but anyway I would be interested in hearing your opinion. Thanks!

02-08-2004, 01:26 PM	#2
Kransha Ubiquitous Urulóki Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The port of Mars, where Famine, Sword, and Fire, leash'd in like hounds, crouch for employment Posts: 747	I think it's more of a mythic history than a "fairy-tale." I mean, it is Tolkein's third age myth for Britain, as it was described. The aspects and writing are designed to resemble a mythic piece of work, such as the Iliad or Oddysey (not written in verse, though). This also explains the amount of songs and poetry, relating to many legends. LotR and the Silm are intricate portrayals of Middle-Earth's past and present, written like a historic document with a more up-close and personal feel. __________________ "What mortal feels not awe/Nor trembles at our name, Hearing our fate-appointed power sublime/Fixed by the eternal law. For old our office, and our fame," -Aeschylus, Song of the Furies

02-09-2004, 10:41 PM	#3
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	I think Kransha hit the nail on the head. A mythic history is exactly what I would call it. I don't really consider it a fairy tale just because... 1) Most of the fairy tales I have read have been pretty short (yes, I know there are most likely longer tales out there, it is just that I have not read them) 2)It does not contain fairy tale charaters in the generic sense (meaning there are no fairies, and the elves and dwarfs are much more real in a way) 3)It seems much more real in a way (And, yes, I have read the original non-disney Fairy Tales. LOTR is still different) I think it could be kind of considered a story in the style of folktales in a way. But it would have to be considered a grand, mythic, folktale __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

02-09-2004, 11:44 PM	#4
Ashton Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Middle Earth (Where else would I be?) Posts: 33	I think that LotR is both a myth and a fairy tale. It is a myth because it is more of a story and it had more detail in it than a normal fairy tale. It also has a lot of poetry and songs in it that you would never find in a fairy tale. I think it is also a fairy tale for a few reasons. It has a lot of fairy tale creatures in it, such as dragons, elves and dwarves. Also myths contain things based on fact. I don't think that anything in the LotR could happen in real life. Of course I could be wrong about my definitions of myhts and Fairy Tales. (Cringing at sudden hateful glances thrown in my direction) __________________ Eat, Drink and be Merry......or Pippin.

02-10-2004, 11:35 AM	#5
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	I definitly think it is kind of like a myth. Tolkein seemed to draw most of his inspiration from them and he was always interested in the few ancient myths England had. __________________ Back again