How Were The Istari Supposed To Help Defeat Sauron? – Middle-earth & J.R.R. Tolkien Blog

Q: How Were The Istari Supposed To Help Defeat Sauron? ANSWER: The Istari (Wizards) were the emissaries of the Valar, sent to Middle-earth to help Elves and Men (and Dwarves and Hobbits) resist Sau… Source: How Were The Istari Supposed To Help Defeat Sauron? – Middle-earth & J.R.R. Tolkien Blog

U2 – Love Is Blindness (Edge’s Solo Performance) – YouTube

According to U2 lore, “Love Is Blindness” captures some of the emotions of guitarist The Edge’s divorce back when the band were in the studio making Achtung Baby. This excerpt of the man himself playing an acoustic version is particularly poignant. Taken from the From The Sky Down documentary, 2011.

Light in January: Epiphany and Tolkien’s Enduring Work

January 6 marks Epiphany, the day we remember the wise men arriving at the manger, guided by a star to worship the child who would change everything. Matthew’s Gospel tells it plain: these men from the East saw the sign, traveled far, and found the King in humble surroundings. They offered their gifts and wentContinueContinue reading “Light in January: Epiphany and Tolkien’s Enduring Work”

Lessons from Tolkien’s “Leaf by Niggle” – Word on Fire

While researching my literary anniversary piece on J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Leaf by Niggle,” I came across an essay that thoughtfully explores the spiritual shape of the story. The author describes it as “probably the closest thing in Tolkien’s corpus to an autobiographical allegory,” a claim that feels earned the longer you consider the tale.ContinueContinue reading “Lessons from Tolkien’s “Leaf by Niggle” – Word on Fire”

Leaf by Niggle: The Work We Leave Unfinished

When the flame was kindled on January 3, 1892, a mind was born that would illuminate not just Middle-earth but the quiet corners of imagination itself. J. R. R. Tolkien’s life was marked by a devotion to language, story, and the natural world—a devotion most intimately visible in one of his smallest, yet most curious,ContinueContinue reading “Leaf by Niggle: The Work We Leave Unfinished”