Arda as Living Structure: Writings and Reflections

# Arda as Living Structure: Writings and Reflections ## ⚙️ Cognitive Orientation *These writings emerge from a symbolic-ecological approach to Tolkien’s Legendarium—one that blends pattern-tracking, shamanic cognition, and topological insight. Rather than interpret the mythos as fiction or canon, I engage it as a living manifold: a structured field of symbolic resonance, echo, and transformation. What follows is not scholarship in the usual sense, but a <ins>cognitive practice</ins>. The Legendarium is a terrain to be walked, not decoded.* For a deeper outline of this approach, [see here →](#about-me). --- ## 🧭 Orientation & Foundations **[Listening to the Music: A Mythic-Empirical Practice in Tolkien’s Living Legendarium](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/BySkHL890)** ▶ This article invites readers to “Listen to the Music”—a contemplative, non-dogmatic approach to Tolkien’s mythos as a living “Lattice” of meaning, as practiced in [Ilsaluntë Valion](https://westofwest.org/). Eschewing spiritual cosplay, self-help metaphysics, and commercialized adaptations, it offers instead a path of deep attunement: using myth to perceive enduring patterns beneath chaos, through ritual-as-calibration and symbolic cognition. Rooted in reverence for Tolkien’s evolving drafts and his transformative reweaving of myths like the Kalevala’s Sampo, this is neither fandom nor faith—but a quiet discipline of presence, pattern-recognition, and participatory listening. For those who feel Middle-earth not as escape but as resonance, it’s an invitation to tend the Flame Imperishable—not by claiming the myth, but by hearing its Music. **[Ilsaluntë Valion and Way of Arda’s Lore: Two Paths Through Tolkien’s Mythic Soil](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/BJz4fisCA)** ▶ This article clarifies the philosophical and practical distinctions between two Tolkien-inspired spiritual frameworks: Ilsaluntë Valion (IV) and Way of Arda’s Lore (WAL). Though both draw from the same mythic “soil” of Tolkien’s Legendarium and share a common origin in the author’s thought, they are not branches of one tradition but independent “trees” with divergent roots—WAL emphasizing structured devotion and communal ritual efficacy, while IV pursues wilder, neurotheologically-informed attunement through myth as perceptual calibration. The piece further distinguishes IV’s rejection of performative “magic” (ritual as causal manipulation) in favor of ritual as a tool for inner transformation and mythic resonance. Emphasizing epistemic care, the author insists these differences matter—not to assert superiority, but to honor each path’s integrity: WAL’s lived spiritual efficacy versus IV’s mytho-empirical exploration of consciousness through symbolic practice. **[Definition of Mytho-historical](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/B1wSAppF0)** ▶ In this definition, we explore the link between history and mythology, with myths offering insights beyond factual evidence. Through the Imaginal Realm, we highlight mytho-historical thinking and its cultural impact, while distinguishing it from shamanic cognition. **[Tolkien and the Evolution of the “Book” in the Legendarium: A Shamanic Perspective](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/HkOB7XIIkx)** ▶ Verlyn Flieger’s paper, *Tolkien and the Idea of the Book*, examines how Tolkien’s Legendarium centers on the concept of a “book” as a bridge between Middle-earth and the real world, embodied by the *Red Book of Westmarch*. Early manuscripts like the *Golden Book of Tavrobel*—recorded by Eriol and revised by his descendants—serve as foundational texts, grounding Tolkien’s mythology in a sense of historical continuity. Tolkien’s creative process mirrors shamanic traditions, where sacred knowledge is transmitted through interpretation, positioning the storyteller as a conduit between mythic and historical realms. The *Red Book* symbolizes this transmission, blending linguistic and cultural layers to present the Legendarium as rediscovered mythology. However, the fading of Eriol and his descendants in later narratives represents a missed opportunity to reinforce the continuity between the mythic past and the present. Their sustained presence could have deepened the Legendarium’s connection to history, emphasizing it as a living mythology rather than mere fantasy. --- ## 🔮 Symbolic Cognition & Mythic Perception **[The Bombadil Mind: A Different Way of Knowing](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/B1mTg54rxl)** ▶ The ***Bombadil Mind*** embodies a unique cognitive approach that values pure attention and understanding over utility, personal narrative, or artistic framing. Inspired by Tolkien's *Tom Bombadil*, it reflects a "natural science" desire to know things for their own sake as independent realities. This framework underpins Way of Arda’s Lore mythic engineering work, which maps mythic dimensions, receives guidance from non-human intelligences, and shifts collective consciousness. Unlike conventional methods filtered through personal agendas, Bombadil cognition fosters clear engagement with unusual information and beings. It involves observing without grasping, sustaining ambiguity, maintaining cognitive humility, and valuing knowledge intrinsically—skills crucial for genuine contact with larger realities often dismissed or reduced to entertainment by mainstream culture. **[Shamanic Visions, Insights, and the Illusion of Time](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/Sk5cpUisA)** ▶ In this article, we examine how shamanic traditions perceive time, emphasizing its link to metaperception—a heightened state of awareness. We contrast the actionable insights gained from shamanic visions, especially with *Salvia Divinorum*, with the symbolic guidance offered by divinatory systems such as the Elder Futhark runes and the *I Ching*. We also address the notion of time as an illusion, drawing parallels between shamanic perspectives and scientific theories like the block universe theory. Highlighting metaperception as crucial for grasping the illusory nature of time and revealing deeper truths, we also reference relevant scholarly works on shamanism, divination, and time perception. **[Science and Its Limits](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/S1KdFsYc0)** ▶ We explore the limitations of the scientific method in addressing subjective experiences such as spiritual insights and paranormal phenomena. We highlight science’s dependence on measurable data and reproducibility, which can be challenging in these areas. We advocate for humility and respect when confronting scientific boundaries, suggesting that while science is crucial, it is not the only way to understand the mysteries of existence. **[The Resurgence of the Occult and the Metaphysics of Quality: A Scientific Shaman's Investigation](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/ByQC2QXhA)** ▶ We explore the resurgence of occult practices through the lens of Robert Pirsig's Metaphysics of Quality (MOQ). We examine how the occult attracts those seeking meaning and community in a materialistic world, drawing connections to historical movements such as the 1960s counterculture. Our discussion highlights the occult's response to disillusionment with mainstream religions and technology, and how Pirsig's concept of 'dynamic quality' reflects observed societal shifts. --- ## 🌌 Topology, Time, and Cosmic Structure **[On the Shape of What Is Lost: Topological Affinity, Mythic Space, and the Mapping of Meaning](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/Bk2X8t1nlx)** ▶ This essay explores how Tolkien’s maps and the lost land of Doggerland illuminate a deeper way of understanding myth: not as literal cartography, but as topological affinity. Drawing on measurement theory, Julian Barbour’s concept of Platonia, and comparative mythology, it shows how myths preserve patterns of relation rather than factual geography. Andrew Henry’s Doggerland overlays are reframed as affine memory-maps: resonant transformations that transmit symbolic function instead of coordinates. By tracing cycles of exile, hubris, loyalty, and return across Tolkien’s legendarium and world mythologies, the essay reveals how mythic forms survive loss, not in measurement but in remembered configuration. Doggerland emerges not as conspiracy or secret history, but as a mythic attractor—transfigured, submerged, and waiting. **[The Phases of Ithil, the Cycles of Arda, and the Hidden Numbers of the ‘Stars’: A Mathematical and Elvish Connection](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/By3SIs63R)** ▶ Herein, we explore the connection between lunar cycles, Lucas primes, and the golden ratio. We examine how mathematical patterns in lunar phases, tides, and eclipses relate to the Lucas primes 2, 3, 7, 11, 29, 199, and 521, highlighting their significance in cosmic rhythms. We also discuss the golden ratio's impact on planetary orbits and its role in Elvish numerology, reflecting cosmic harmony. Additionally, we delve into the transition from the Valian Year to the Solar Year in Tolkien's mythology and the symbolic importance of solar and lunar eclipses, offering a rich analysis that blends science, mythology, and fantasy. **[Legendarium Modal Values](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/HJbfb8lpA)** ▶ This article examines the numerical patterns and recurring themes in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium, highlighting the significance of Lucas primes 2, 3, and 7, and their multiples. Multiples of 2 represent balance and pairing, multiples of 3 signify trinities and cycles, and multiples of 7 are linked to divine completeness and sacredness. These patterns enhance the mystical and structured nature of Middle-earth's world-building. Examples such as the Two Trees of Valinor, the Three Silmarils, and the Seven Lords and Queens of the Valar show that these numerical themes are inextricably woven into the lore. **[Echoes of Atlantis and Númenor: A Comparative Exploration](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/ByLQyR6RR)** ▶ This article compares the legendary civilizations of Atlantis and Númenor, focusing on their shared themes of grandeur, moral decline, and catastrophic downfall. It shows how both societies, once virtuous and prosperous, fell due to hubris and corruption, ultimately facing destruction through supernatural judgment and environmental disasters. The article examines their governance, religious beliefs, and the impact of mythology on their narratives, while highlighting their influence on modern culture and literature. By connecting these myths, the study emphasizes timeless lessons on the fragility of civilizations and the importance of moral integrity. --- ## ✨ Metaphysical & Philosophical Explorations **[The Philosophical Foundations of the Legendarium: Neoplatonism vs. Manichaeism](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/ryMMuYOhC)** ▶ Herein, we compare the philosophical themes in *The Silmarillion* with Neoplatonism and Manichaeism, showing that Tolkien's work aligns more with Neoplatonism. This is evident in its structured universe, hierarchical cosmology, and the view of evil as a corruption of good. We emphasize how Neoplatonism’s themes of divine aspiration and sub-creation resonate with Tolkien's vision, offering a deeper understanding of *The Silmarillion* compared to the dualistic approach of Manichaeism. **[Summary of Tolkien's poem ‘Mythopoeia’](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/SJJGh3d6C)** ▶ Tolkien’s *Mythopoeia* addresses C.S. Lewis, critiquing a reductionist, scientific view that dismisses myths as "lies." He argues that myths convey deeper spiritual truths and that humans, as "sub-creators," connect with the divine through creative storytelling. Tolkien contrasts myth-makers, who explore profound truths and confront life’s challenges, with those focused solely on material progress. The poem concludes with a vision of Paradise, where creation continues in harmony with divine truth, affirming the noble purpose of myth-making. **[Reclaiming the Truth Behind the Dark Ages](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/SyIO2DOIxe)** ▶ Contrary to myth, the "Dark Ages" were a time of innovation, not stagnation. Renaissance scholars popularized the term, ignoring medieval achievements—like universities, Gothic architecture, and mechanical clocks—that bridged antiquity and modernity. While Western Europe fused Roman, Germanic, and Christian traditions, Byzantium preserved classical knowledge, and the Islamic world advanced science and medicine. Figures like Hildegard of Bingen contributed to scholarship, monks saved ancient texts, and Charlemagne’s Carolingian Revival reignited learning. Rather than a backward era, this period was transformative, laying foundations for the modern world. The real "darkness" is our bias in labeling past societies as primitive simply because they differed from our own. Discover how this misunderstood chapter shaped history in ways you never imagined! --- ## 🛤️ Autobiographical & Methodological Reflections **[A Journey Unsubmitted: Me, Tolkien’s Mythos and the Scholarly Community](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/Bkqfqir2R)** ▶ My autobiography for *Way of Arda's Lore* offers a unique perspective on J.R.R. Tolkien's mythos, blending personal experiences with logical insights. I explore Tolkien's work through a mytho-historical lens, incorporating shamanic insights and metaperception. My approach seeks to honor Tolkien's vision by merging myth, history, and the human experience while maintaining intellectual integrity beyond traditional scholarly boundaries. I also address the reluctance of some scholars to engage with Middle-earth innovatively and reference influential concepts such as Robert Pirsig's "cultural immune system," Eric Weinstein's "Gated Institutional Narrative," and the work of Paul Veyne. **[The Cult of Dev: Hollow Wizards of the Machine Age](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/rJcn6r2Uxl)** ▶ This document critiques Linux as an unstable, inaccessible OS, arguing its community prioritizes tinkering over reliability. The author shares personal struggles with cryptic commands, fragile configurations, and elitist attitudes that exclude non-technical or neurodivergent users. While Linux promises freedom, it often fails at basic tasks, forcing users into endless troubleshooting. Alternatives like HaikuOS are praised for their simplicity. The article advises caution for those fleeing Windows 10 EOL, suggesting virtual machines or other OS options like Windows 11 or macOS. Ultimately, it challenges the myth of Linux as a sovereign tool, exposing its shortcomings for everyday users. --- ## 🧝 Critiques & Cultural Commentary **[Why Tolkien’s Works Should Be Read, Not Watched](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/B16SjmT0R)** ▶ This article explains that film and TV adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, such as Amazon's Rings of Power, fail to capture the depth, nuance, and philosophical underpinnings of the original texts. It examines how adaptations often reduce Tolkien’s complex narratives to visual spectacle, impose restrictive interpretations, and oversimplify characters, which results in a loss of the author’s intent and literary richness. The article concludes by encouraging readers to engage directly with Tolkien’s works to fully appreciate the intricacies and themes that make Middle-earth truly unique. [**Unveiling the Myth: Pointed Ears and Tolkien’s Elves**](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/ByFwi1HHJg) ▶ This article explores the common assumption that J.R.R. Tolkien's Elves in his Middle-earth legendarium have pointed ears, arguing that this trait is not supported by Tolkien's published works. The author examines Tolkien's detailed descriptions of Elves in *The Lord of the Rings*, *The Hobbit*, and *The Silmarillion*, noting that their beauty, grace, and otherworldly qualities are emphasized, but their ears are never specifically described as pointed. The article also addresses misinterpretations of Tolkien's *Letters* and linguistic notes, which are often cited to support the pointed-ear theory, and explains that these sources are either ambiguous or refer to Hobbits rather than Elves. The modern association of Elves with pointed ears is traced back to European folklore and Victorian-era art, and the article concludes that this trope is more a product of cultural traditions and later artistic interpretations than an element of Tolkien's original vision. **[The Perils of Arrogance: How Misguided Linguistic Elitism Alienates Devotees of Tolkien's Works](https://hackmd.io/@EriolElwin/HkXibP_5R)** ▶ This article critiques the elitism within some groups of Tolkien fans, particularly "Tolkien Linguists," who argue that a 'true' understanding of Tolkien's works requires proficiency in the languages he created. This viewpoint alienates many fans, particularly neurodiverse individuals, who connect more with the narratives and visual elements of his storytelling. Drawing on Tolkien’s own words, the article emphasizes that his primary goal was to engage readers through powerful stories, not linguistic technicalities. While the languages enrich Middle-earth, Tolkien intended the narratives—heroism, moral struggles, and vivid world-building—to be the heart of his works. Overemphasizing linguistic expertise risks misrepresenting this core appeal. --- <a id="about-me"></a> ## 🧬 About Me: Tracking Signal Through the Legendarium I track symbolic resonance within Tolkien’s world—not as a scholar in the traditional sense, but as a mythopoeic practitioner whose approach blends **shamanic cognition**, **topological mathematics**, and **lived mythic engagement**. To me, the Legendarium is not a text to be interpreted but a *symbolic ecology*—a terrain of coherent structures, shifting forms, and deep resonance. I walk it the way a tracker reads the forest floor: watching for signal, sensing transformations, listening for pressure patterns beneath the fallen leaves of narrative. My cognitive wiring is neurodivergent, and that has been essential. Rather than compartmentalizing knowledge, I perceive meaning through interpenetration—everything informing everything else. This enables a kind of structural intuition, a fluency across symbolic layers: myth, geometry, language, dream. My mathematical background—particularly in abstract and topological thought—shapes how I move through Tolkien’s world. I don’t see Arda as a timeline; I see it as a [multi-dimensional manifold](https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-way-to-explain-the-concept-of-manifold-to-a-novice/answer/Qiaochu-Yuan-1): a dynamic field where symbolic constellations reconfigure and echo across scales. I detect resonance the way one might perceive symmetry breaking, phase shifts, or fractal emergence. For me, myth is not fantasy—it is ***structured signal***. My shamanic practice furthers this. Where others speak of “trance” or “journey,” I frame it as pattern immersion: entering into relation with symbolic intelligences, and returning with pragmatic data—not belief, not ideology. Like the old Arctic shamans who described the road ahead before a journey, I listen for useful, grounded signal. Since the early 2000s, I’ve guided Tolkien-based communities built around this immersive approach. My contributions, under the name *Nathan Elwin*, are noted in Markus Davidsen’s [thesis](https://www.academia.edu/25302152/2014_The_Spiritual_Tolkien_Milieu_A_Study_of_Fiction_based_Religion_full_text_) on *fiction-based religion*, which explores how deep engagement with invented cosmologies can catalyze real transformation. While some interpret this as spiritual belief, I see it as relational cognition: a mode of mythic attunement rooted in pattern recognition and symbolic fieldwork. In short: I don’t analyze Tolkien—I *navigate* him. Not by canon. Not by creed. But by **resonance**, **topology**, and **symbolic clarity**.     —By Eriol Elwin, with cooperation from [Ilsaluntë Valion](https://westofwest.org/) and [Way of Arda's Lore (formerly Tië eldaliéva)](https://linktr.ee/elvenspiritualpath)