[Audio Fixed] “Seeing is both good and perilous”: Information and Action in The Lord of the Rings

Apologies for re-releasing this old episode, there was a technical issue which needed to be resolved. New episode of Risking Enchantment coming soon. Thank you for your patience!

 

“You may learn something, and whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet it may not. Seeing is both good and perilous.”

 

• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

 

In this episode of Risking Enchantment we’re discussing one of our favourite topics: The Lord of the Rings. We’re taking a look at the way Tolkien’s characters are often forced to make decisions and take action with very limited information. We also explore Tolkien’s theme of the tendency to despair that can be caused by receiving too much information, especially through magical means, a theme with great relevance today especially when drawn in comparison to technology and the transmission of news online. We look at the way that Tolkien’s interest in this element of his story impacts his writing approach, crafting the books in their leapfrogging narrative style, as well as the possible origins of this interest in his work as a signal’s officer in World War 1.

 

Music: Ashton Manor by Kevin MacLeod

 

Hosts: Rachel Sherlock, Phoebe Watson

 

Follow me on social media: @seekingwatson

 

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @riskingenchantmentpodcast

 

Find out more at www.rachelsherlock.com

 

Sign up for our email list at www.rachelsherlock.com/podcast

 

Works Referenced

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings (dir. Peter Jackson) Appendices Bonus Material

“JRR Tolkien, World War One Signals Officer” by Elizabeth Bruton

The Road to Middle Earth by Tom Shippey

Dracula by Bram Stoker

 

What we’re Enjoying at the Moment

Phoebe: Dracula by Bram Stoker

Rachel: Winters in the World by Eleanor Parker

Both: Living (2022, dir Oliver Hermanus)