{=== This symbol - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Garen LiLorian · 01-22-2003, 10:45 PM

I found out recently that the Tolkien symbol is almost identical to the Chinese character for "East." Is this purely coincidental, or intentional? And, if it also means something in an Arda-language, what?

Thanks for your help [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Estelyn Telcontar · 01-22-2003, 11:59 PM

The Tolkien symbol consists of Tolkien's initials, JRRT. In the middle, going down, is the J, the two Rs are back to back, and the T is at the top. If I remember rightly, the additional dots have to do with the vowels, but I'm not sure of that. As far as I know, there is no Middle-earth meaning to that symbol. Any connection with Chinese is very likely coincidental, since Tolkien was not familiar with that language.

eleanor_niphredil · 01-25-2003, 04:10 PM

Interesting point. Perhaps it was a link without intention? He may have seen the symbol somewhere, and thought it was rather cool that his initials where to be found in it.

Iarwain · 01-25-2003, 07:05 PM

I think its funny that the connection is there. If you think about it, this would put Tolkien in the East, which in Middle-Earth is not the best place to be. It would have been quite ironic if he did something like that. Sort of stupid though. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Chuckling and Frowning,
Iarwain

Nevvasaiel · 01-25-2003, 08:11 PM

I am bilingual in English and Chinese, and Tolkien's symbol DOES appear to be similar to the chinese character for 'east' - it's funny, i never noticed it before.
However, one chinese character which would be identical to the Tolkien symbol (especially if written in the ancient chinese way), would be the word for 'binds', or 'restraints/constraints'. It has a dual meaning, and thus could also be interpreted as 'bundle' or 'bunch', as in 'a bunch of flowers'.

What do you think about this? This is an interesting topic, although i do doubt that there is any connection between Tolkien's symbol and chinese characters, as it is highly unlikely.

01-22-2003, 10:45 PM	#1
Garen LiLorian Wight Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The frigid white wilderness of the Midwest Posts: 235	{=== This symbol I found out recently that the Tolkien symbol is almost identical to the Chinese character for "East." Is this purely coincidental, or intentional? And, if it also means something in an Arda-language, what? Thanks for your help [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ This is my quest, to follow that star; no matter how hopeless, no matter how far. To fight for the right, without question or pause. To be willing to march into Hell for a Heavenly cause! -Man of La Mancha

01-22-2003, 11:59 PM	#2
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	The Tolkien symbol consists of Tolkien's initials, JRRT. In the middle, going down, is the J, the two Rs are back to back, and the T is at the top. If I remember rightly, the additional dots have to do with the vowels, but I'm not sure of that. As far as I know, there is no Middle-earth meaning to that symbol. Any connection with Chinese is very likely coincidental, since Tolkien was not familiar with that language. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

01-25-2003, 04:10 PM	#3
eleanor_niphredil Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: england Posts: 805	Interesting point. Perhaps it was a link without intention? He may have seen the symbol somewhere, and thought it was rather cool that his initials where to be found in it. __________________ Here I am, brain the size of a planet, and they ask me to spend my time on this forum. And by the way, for any of you turning into a penguin, stop it. ~* I am Pippin took in the Female Fellowship*~

01-25-2003, 07:05 PM	#4
Iarwain Pugnaciously Primordial Paradox Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Birnham Wood Posts: 800	I think its funny that the connection is there. If you think about it, this would put Tolkien in the East, which in Middle-Earth is not the best place to be. It would have been quite ironic if he did something like that. Sort of stupid though. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] Chuckling and Frowning, Iarwain __________________ "And what are oaths but words we say to God?"

01-25-2003, 08:11 PM	#5
Nevvasaiel Animated Skeleton Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 39	I am bilingual in English and Chinese, and Tolkien's symbol DOES appear to be similar to the chinese character for 'east' - it's funny, i never noticed it before. However, one chinese character which would be identical to the Tolkien symbol (especially if written in the ancient chinese way), would be the word for 'binds', or 'restraints/constraints'. It has a dual meaning, and thus could also be interpreted as 'bundle' or 'bunch', as in 'a bunch of flowers'. What do you think about this? This is an interesting topic, although i do doubt that there is any connection between Tolkien's symbol and chinese characters, as it is highly unlikely. __________________ i couldn't repair your brakes, so i made your horn louder!!! you must lead a horse to water, but, a pencil must be lead...