Centre for Comparative Studies

Funder

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Organizational Unit

Publications

Introdução [Sympathy for the grave]

Publication . Sá, Patrícia; Viegas, Alexis F.

2023-12-07Journal article

Open access

From the flame imperishable to the silmarils: the dimming of lights in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion

Publication . Sá, Patrícia

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, Light permeates the world from its prime to its dimmest hues. Authors such as Lisa Coutras, Verlyn Flieger, and Reno E. Lauro have expertly explored the role of light in Ëa, and, in this essay, I draw on their theories to investigate the way light and darkness are portrayed from the beginning of creation to the making of the Silmarils. Recalling Lauro’s allusion to medieval theories of light, I suggest a look at Eä as a world built on refractions of a pure, all-encompassing light that grows progressively dimmer, until its encapsulation in three jewels, going from a source of wonder to an object of desire. Light, in The Silmarillion, is synonymous with good, beauty, and truth, but it scorches and punishes those who misuse it. Furthermore, in this essay I corroborate the theories that darkness − not the primeval darkness, but Morgoth’s evil, consuming darkness − is a deformation of the light that gave shape and life to Ilúvatar’s creation. As such, I aim to briefly examine Arda’s initial lights and their waning as not only a reflection of the increasing separation from their primary principle, but also a result of both the entrance of evil in the world, and Fëanor’s hybris, which sealed the Elves of his house’s fate.

2024-02-26Journal article

Open access