Way of Arda's Lore — Guardians of the Myth

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.

Tolkien's Mythological Inspirations

Tolkien's fascination with Norse folklore significantly shaped his narrative world. The Old Norse sagas and Eddas inspired the rich tapestry of mythology, heroic legends, and epic poetry in his writings, notably The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Many mistakenly believe that Tolkien’s concept of the 'Ring' parallels the Norse myth of the Ring of the Nibelung, but it developed directly from the needs of his narrative. Tolkien settled on Bilbo's magic ring as a plot device for The Hobbit's sequel. While he acknowledged influences like the Völsunga saga, his inspiration came more from Scandinavian myths than the Germanic Nibelungenlied.

Tolkien's profound engagement with The Kalevala was another significant influence on his Legendarium, particularly in shaping The Silmarillion. The Sampo, a central mythic object in The Kalevala, inspired the concept of the Silmarils. Tolkien reworked the conflicts over the Sampo into a world war among all races of Middle-earth, demonstrating his inventive method. He refrained from allegorizing conflicts, used pagan elements without distortion, bridged gaps in source material with other traditions or his imagination, and expanded the epic on a global scale. His fascination with The Kalevala began in his teens, and this Finnish influence allowed him to create a mythology free from strictly Christian or Arthurian constraints, which were prevalent in other contemporary mythological writings. As noted by Himes (2000), Tolkien's use of the Sampo in The Silmarillion showcases his ability to integrate and transform mythic elements from diverse sources.

Tolkien also held English fairy folklore in high regard, viewing it as a valuable cultural heritage rich with timeless themes, archetypes, and moral lessons. His scholarly understanding and personal appreciation of these traditional tales deeply influenced his creation of Middle-earth. He was critical of the oversimplification and trivialization of fairy folklore in modern retellings, believing these adaptations often stripped away the stories' true essence. This perspective shaped his literary works, where he sought to preserve the authenticity and moral complexity inherent in traditional folklore. Enchanted Living (2023) highlights how Tolkien's deep respect for fairy folklore informed his narrative, ensuring that his stories retained the richness and depth of their origins.

A Holistic Approach

As a professor of language and literature, Tolkien believed in studying an author's compositions as works of art in their own right, rather than dissecting them merely to uncover influences. In his lecture On Fairy Stories, he used the metaphor of demolishing a tower to examine its stones instead of climbing it to enjoy the view. This approach aligns with our philosophy at Way of Arda's Lore, where we emphasize engaging with Tolkien’s Legendarium in its entirety rather than reducing it to a collection of influences. This holistic approach allows us to appreciate the intricate and interwoven layers of Tolkien's work, much as he intended. As Carpenter (1977) notes in his biography, Tolkien was deeply committed to the idea that a story should be experienced and enjoyed as a whole, rather than being dissected into its component parts. This perspective is crucial for understanding the depth and breadth of his Legendarium.

Incorporating Tolkien's complex spiritual themes, we recognize that his works are imbued with moral and spiritual struggles that reflect his Roman Catholic faith. Yet, Tolkien resisted direct allegory, allowing his stories to stand on their own and inviting readers to find personal meaning within them. His portrayal of the Valar as 'demiurges' points to a cosmology that extends beyond strict doctrinal interpretations, making the Legendarium accessible to a wider range of perspectives. McBride (2020) explores this in Tolkien's Cosmology: Divine Beings and Middle-earth, highlighting how Tolkien's cosmological framework provides a rich tapestry of spiritual and philosophical ideas that can be interpreted in various ways.

Tolkien's traditionalist views, particularly his concerns about cultural changes, subtly permeate his writing. His emphasis on preserving tradition amidst a changing world is a theme that resonates throughout his work, reflecting his concerns about the future. These themes of resistance to the superficial trappings of the overculture—such as Postmodernism and the 'culture wars'—and the preservation of sacred traditions align closely with the principles of Way of Arda's Lore. Kwasniewski (2023) in "Tolkien’s Traditionalism: Conveniently Forgotten?" discusses how Tolkien's traditionalist leanings are often overlooked or downplayed, but they are integral to understanding the deeper layers of his work. We strive to honor the original intent and depth of Tolkien's creation, recognizing the importance of these traditional values in the context of his mythic vision.

The Spiritual and Shamanic Dimensions

Tolkien's Legendarium is not just a collection of stories; it is a spiritual and mythic journey that invites readers to explore the profound and the numinous. The shamanic elements in his work, such as the journeys into the Otherworld, the transformation of characters, and the use of magical objects, are essential to understanding the deeper layers of his mythology. These elements are not mere literary devices but are part of a larger, more profound narrative that connects the reader to the ancient and the mystical.

The concept of the Valar, the angelic beings who shape and govern the world, is a key example of Tolkien's integration of spiritual and mythic elements. In Morgoth's Ring: The Later Silmarillion, Part One (1993), edited by Christopher Tolkien, we see how Tolkien developed these beings to embody both divine and human qualities, creating a cosmology that is both familiar and otherworldly. This blend of the divine and the human, the sacred and the profane, is a hallmark of Tolkien's work and a central focus of our exploration at Way of Arda's Lore.

Tolkien's deep faith also plays a significant role in his Legendarium. While he avoided explicit religious allegory, his Catholic beliefs are woven into the fabric of his stories. Ordway (2023) in Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography provides a comprehensive look at how Tolkien's faith influenced his writing, from the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters to the overarching themes of redemption and sacrifice. This spiritual dimension adds a layer of depth and meaning to the Legendarium, making it a rich source of reflection and contemplation.

Engaging with the Source Texts

To fully appreciate the richness and depth of Tolkien's Legendarium, it is essential to engage directly with the source texts. Modern adaptations, while visually impressive, often fail to capture the nuanced and complex themes that make Tolkien's work so enduring. By reading the original books, letters, and essays, we can gain a deeper understanding of Tolkien's vision and the spiritual and mythic dimensions of his work.

For example, the detailed histories and genealogies in The Silmarillion provide a foundation for understanding the epic scope of Middle-earth. The appendices in The Lord of the Rings offer additional insights into the languages, cultures, and historical events that shape the narrative. By delving into these texts, we can uncover the layers of meaning and symbolism that Tolkien carefully crafted, and we can experience the full power of his mythic vision.

Conclusion

Way of Arda's Lore offers a space for those who wish to engage with Tolkien’s Legendarium in its true context—honoring the spiritual, mythological, and shamanic dimensions of his work. By delving into the source texts and resisting the allure of modern adaptations, we can preserve the profound legacy that Tolkien intended for his readers

Tolkien's Legendarium is a treasure trove of spiritual and mythic wisdom, a gateway to a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. By engaging with his work in its true context, we can uncover the profound layers of meaning and experience a journey that is both transformative and enlightening. Way of Arda's Lore is committed to preserving and honoring this legacy, and we invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey!

—Way of Arda's Lore (formerly Tië eldaliéva)

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References:

Carpenter, H. (1977). J.R.R. Tolkien: A biography. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
McBride, S. (2020). Tolkien's cosmology: Divine beings and Middle-earth. Kent State University Press.
Tolkien, J.R.R., & Christopher, T. (1993). Morgoth's Ring: The Later Silmarillion, Part One. HarperCollins.
Himes, J. (2000). What Tolkien really did with the Sampo. Mythlore, 22(4). [Wayback_Machine]
Enchanted Living. (2023, April 30). Professor Tolkien and the fairies. Enchanted Living Magazine. [link]
Ordway, H. (2023). Tolkien’s faith: A spiritual biography. Ignatius Press.
Kwasniewski, J. (2023, June). "Tolkien’s Traditionalism: Conveniently Forgotten?" The Imaginative Conservative. [link]