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