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Full-Text Articles in Comparative Literature
“Ore-Ganisms”: The Myth And Meaning Of ‘Living Rock’ In Middle-Earth, Kristine Larsen
“Ore-Ganisms”: The Myth And Meaning Of ‘Living Rock’ In Middle-Earth, Kristine Larsen
Journal of Tolkien Research
This paper, presented at the Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association National Conference, New Orleans, LA, April 3, 2015, surveys Tolkien's use of the term "living rock" and related language in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Topics discussed include the origins of the trolls, dwarves, orcs, and ents.
Smaug’S Hoard, Durin’S Bane, And Agricola’S De Re Metallica: Cautionary Tales Against Mining In Tolkien’S Legendarium And The Classical Tradition, Kristine Larsen
Smaug’S Hoard, Durin’S Bane, And Agricola’S De Re Metallica: Cautionary Tales Against Mining In Tolkien’S Legendarium And The Classical Tradition, Kristine Larsen
Journal of Tolkien Research
This conference talk discussed depictions of mining in Tolkien's legendarium, drawing comparisons to Agricola’s De Re Metallica.
Who Maketh Morwinyon, And Menelmacar, And Remmirath, And The Inner Parts Of The South (Where The Stars Are Strange): Tolkien’S Astronomical Choices And The Books Of Job And Amos, Kristine Larsen
Journal of Tolkien Research
Tolkien’s use of specific stars and constellations within the legendarium has been well-studied. There remain two related questions to be tackled: firstly, why did Tolkien use these specific real-world stars and constellations, and what was behind the seemingly sudden expansion of the celestial population in the legendarium in 1951? Given his well-demonstrated interest in and knowledge of astronomy, Biblical passages that describe the heavens may have piqued his interest and may have influenced his choices of astronomical references in creating Middle-earth. Popularized works published during Tolkien’s youth on the astronomy of the Old Testament may have also played a role …
Númenor And The “Devouring Wave”: Literary, Historical, And Psychological Sources For Tolkien’S Self-Described “Atlantis Complex”, Kristine Larsen
Númenor And The “Devouring Wave”: Literary, Historical, And Psychological Sources For Tolkien’S Self-Described “Atlantis Complex”, Kristine Larsen
Journal of Tolkien Research
Invited talk delivered to the Hobbit Society at the Honors College of the University of New Mexico on February 10, 2016, expanded from a keynote address delivered at the Tolkien Conference of the University of Vermont on April 15, 2014.