Welcome to <ins>Way of Arda's Lore</ins>, where we explore the deeper spiritual meanings within J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium. Our approach moves beyond viewing his works as simple fantasy or literature; we see them as gateways into ancient myths, traditions, and shamanic insights, unveiling timeless truths. By focusing on Tolkien's original writings—rather than adaptations like Rings of Power—we aim to honor and preserve the profound mythical and spiritual legacy he intended. The articles below were written by me, Eriol Elwin, a founder of WAL and a lifelong adherent to Tolkien's Legendarium. Spiritual and Mythological Insights Way of Arda's Lore — Guardians of the Myth ▶ Way of Arda's Lore delves into the spiritual and mythological depth of Tolkien's Legendarium. We approach his work through a mytho-historical and shamanic lens, seeing it as a gateway to a rich tradition beyond the limits of 'fantasy' or 'literature.' Rejecting superficial adaptations like Amazon’s Rings of Power, we focus on engaging with Tolkien’s original texts to reveal their deeper themes. As explorers of gnosis, our mission is to honor the integrity of Tolkien’s vision and protect the mythic and spiritual legacy embedded in his works. The Shamanic Resonance of Language in Tolkien's Legendarium ▶ This article explores the interplay between shamanic cognition and language in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium. The article delves into how Tolkien's linguistic creations mirror shamanic practices, suggesting that his narrative materials were influenced by altered states of consciousness akin to shamanic experiences. By examining the metaphysics of language in various shamanic cultures and their connections to Tolkien's work, the piece highlights the profound spiritual and cultural resonances found within his fictional languages and mythologies. Ultimately, it presents a nuanced understanding of how Tolkien's unique approach to language reflects deeper metaphysical truths and shamanic traditions. See our video The Shamanic Resonance of the Elvish Languages in JRR Tolkien's Legendarium. Summary of Tolkien's poem ‘Mythopoeia’

Early Influences and the Sacred Experience Since I was about five years old, I recognized that I was different in a specific way. I would mention it to my friends, but they never understood. This difference is best described by the term Therianthropy, which comes from the ancient Greek words thēríon (animal) and ánthrōpos (human). It denotes more than just identifying with an animal spirit; it's a profound, intrinsic link, an integral part of one’s persona. Many people mistakenly equate it with having a totem animal, but it’s much deeper—it’s a part of yourself. My therianthropic connection to the tiger has a name in Malay: "Harimau jadian," which means "simulation tiger" [New Straits Times story]. This term refers to individuals who can shape-shift between human and tiger forms. For me, this transformation occurs when using the shamanic plant Salvia Divinorum, allowing me to project my consciousness into a tiger's form and deeply engage with this alter ego of mine. Therianthropy is a distinct identity phenomenon where individuals, known as Therians, feel a deep personal connection or identification with a specific animal, reflecting their inner nature. In contrast, the Otherkin movement consists of individuals who identify as non-human, either spiritually or psychologically, often believing they are beings from myth, folklore, or even modern fiction. While Otherkin may identify with a wide range of entities, Therians are exclusively connected to singular animal forms. Like many older Therians, I emphasize this distinction, asserting that our experiences and identities are fundamentally different from those of the Otherkin: ‘They are who they are, and we are who we are.’ The wolf and bear are common Therian forms, and the Bear appears in Tolkien’s works. Beorn, a character in The Hobbit, is a bear Therian. When I’ve been challenged by people saying, "There’s nothing about Therians in Tolkien’s works!", I respond, "Well, there is Beorn, you know?" I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings long before The Silmarillion was published in 1977. When The Silmarillion finally appeared, I was 12 years old, and it struck me like a bolt of lightning. Here was the pure essence of Tolkien’s world—an epic mythos that resonated deeply within me. It wasn’t merely a story; it was a revelation. It felt as though I was tapping into a hidden well of ancient knowledge, something that transcended the constraints of time and space. This period was formative for me, aligning with a natural inclination towards spirituality—a direction I embraced fully as I immersed myself further into Tolkien’s mythos. You could truly say that this experience was sacred for me.

J.R.R. Tolkien in his study, ca. 1937 (source) Language in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium is more than a storytelling device—it becomes part of the mythological and spiritual fabric that binds his world. While Tolkien's approach was grounded in philology, his study of language was infused with a mythopoetic quality, where languages are more than sounds or words, but sacred bridges between the mortal and the divine. This brings us to a shamanic resonance in Tolkien’s work: the way in which language becomes a key to unlocking deeper, often spiritual dimensions of existence. In this essay, we explore the shamanic resonance of language in Tolkien’s works, focusing on how his languages echo ancient traditions. Many indigenous cultures view language not only as a means of communication, but as a sacred act, a cosmic force. Tolkien, who deeply understood myth and religion, created languages that resonate with this vision. His linguistic creations serve as bridges between realms—between the mortal and the sacred. In exploring Tolkien’s linguistic creativity through neurotheology and shamanic cognition, we come closer to understanding how his process echoes ancient beliefs that language was a divine gift, passed from the spiritual realm to humanity. (See our complementary video and article: "On Tolkien and Shamanism? The Approach via the Way of Arda's Lore"). Sacred Languages in Shamanic Cultures Language in many shamanic cultures is a sacred act, not just a means to communicate but to commune with the divine. This belief is prevalent across numerous indigenous traditions, where words carry the very essence of creation, the vital energy of the universe. Such traditions are not confined to one culture; across the world, we see echoes of the same idea—language as sacred creation.

NOTE: We are not affiliated with the Otherkin community, nor are we a venue for exploring past-life memories or spiritual identities in an 'alterhuman' sense. We are neither sufferers nor purveyors of Elf-Derangement Syndrome (EDS).   Who We Are Way of Arda's Lore is a group dedicated to exploring and preserving the profound spiritual and mythological elements embedded in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium. Our approach combines a mytho-historical worldview with shamanic cognition, offering perspectives for those who seek to explore the gnostic and noetic layers of mythology and history. For us, Tolkien's writings are not merely fantasy; they are a gateway into a rich spiritual and mythic tradition that demands thoughtful engagement. In an era where Tolkien's works are often reduced to just another fantasy franchise, akin to World of Warcraft or Dungeons & Dragons, we must guard against the dilution of the unique mythic and shamanic qualities that make his Legendarium distinct. This dilution is especially evident in modern adaptations like Amazon's Rings of Power, which, despite visual appeal, fail to capture the depth of Tolkien’s vision. Those content with such superficial representations may not find much relevance in our group. For those who wish to engage with Tolkien’s Legendarium as they would with any other spiritual or mythological tradition, however, it is crucial to turn to the source texts. Movies and TV series, while entertaining, often simplify or omit the complex themes, characters, and histories essential to understanding Tolkien’s world. His work transcends literature, offering a sophisticated fusion of mythology, history, and language, best appreciated through direct engagement with his writings. This depth offers a spiritual journey that goes beyond the superficial.

NOTE: Neither organization is affiliated with the Otherkin community, nor are they venues for exploring past-life memories or spiritual identities in an 'alterhuman' sense. We are neither sufferers nor purveyors of Elf-Derangement Syndrome (EDS).   The Tolkien community includes a wide range of organizations, each contributing unique perspectives on the Legendarium. Ilsaluntë Valion and Way of Arda’s Lore, though distinct in their approaches, were created by many of the same people. These groups serve different needs and interests within the broader Tolkien community, sharing a foundation rooted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. Understanding the nuances between them can shed light on their complementary roles. Way of Arda’s Lore: Educational Outreach and Structured Learning Way of Arda’s Lore (WAL), formerly known as Tië eldaliéva, primarily serves as an educational platform focused on Tolkien’s original writings rather than pop-cultural adaptations. It offers structured learning opportunities based on a curriculum that delves into the intricacies of the Legendarium, emphasizing academic rigor and authenticity. As a “forward-facing” organization, WAL engages the wider Internet community through accessible resources, making it a go-to destination for those who seek a deeper understanding of Tolkien’s world. The curriculum spans various topics, from Elvish linguistics to the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of Tolkien’s universe. WAL’s structured approach guides learners through progressive levels of understanding, providing both foundational knowledge and advanced insights. It aims to cultivate a scholarly yet approachable environment, inspiring new generations to explore the Legendarium beyond the surface level.

The depiction of Elves with pointed ears has become so ubiquitous in modern fantasy that many readers assume this trait was a defining feature of the Elves in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. However, a closer inspection of Tolkien's works reveals no concrete evidence that his Elves (the Quendi) were intended to have pointed ears. This belief stems largely from cultural assumptions and the evolution of fantasy tropes rather than Tolkien’s explicit descriptions. In this essay, I will argue that Tolkien's Elves do not have pointed ears, relying on textual evidence from Tolkien's writings, the context of his creative process, and comparisons to other mythological sources. The Lack of Evidence in Tolkien’s Published Works In his published works, Tolkien never explicitly described Elves as having pointed ears. Given his meticulous attention to detail and his habit of providing rich descriptions of his characters, this omission is significant. In The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion, Elves are described in terms of their beauty, grace, and otherworldly qualities, but their ears are conspicuously absent from these descriptions. For instance, when Tolkien distinguishes Elves from Men, he emphasizes their eyes, voices, and general aura of beauty. In The Silmarillion, Elves are described as “fairest of all earthly creatures.” Similarly, in The Hobbit, when Bilbo meets the Elves of Rivendell, their laughter, song, and joy are highlighted, but their physical features are not detailed. If pointed ears were indeed a defining or distinguishing feature of Tolkien’s Elves, one would expect this characteristic to be mentioned in these works. This absence becomes even more telling in scenes where mortals and Elves interact. For example, in Unfinished Tales, Túrin asks Sador, “Was Lalaith indeed like an Elf-child, as my father said?” Sador responds that Elven and human children seem very similar in their youth. If Tolkien had intended for Elves to have pointed ears, this would have been an obvious physical marker that would set them apart from humans, making such confusion unlikely. Moreover, in Tuor and Voronwë's meeting with the Dark Guard, there is no indication of a visible ear-length difference or pointed shape that allows easy distinction. When Tuor is brought to judgment by Elemmakil, the captain of the Guard does not remark on or distinguish Tuor’s ears from those of the Elves. Instead, he identifies Tuor as a mortal “by his eyes,” illustrating that other, subtler traits set Elves apart from Men. This silence about ears, even in close interactions, further supports the conclusion that their ears were not visibly different.