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 wentContinue reading "Light in January: Epiphany and Tolkien’s Enduring Work"
What If the Hard Part Isn’t Mine?
My Bible reading plan fell apart last year, somewhere around Solomon’s temple, because life got in the way and attention wandered. And that’s okay. What if the hard part of reading Scripture isn’t maintaining perfect consistency or mastering ancient languages? What if the transforming, sustaining, wisdom-building work isn’t mine to carry at all? What ifContinue reading "What If the Hard Part Isn’t Mine?"
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.Continue reading "Lessons from Tolkien’s “Leaf by Niggle” – Word on Fire"
Veni. Vidi. Scripsi. 