Tag Archives: imagination

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”

December 4: ‘On Fairy Stories’ Turns 76

Stories shape worlds, worlds shape stories. And sometimes, a story about stories can change how we see both. On Fairy Stories (1947) The essay got a fresh face in 2008. A lecture becomes a touchstone, a scholarly reflection on imagination, myth, and meaning. On December 4, 1947, J. R. R. Tolkien’s essay On Fairy Stories was published in EssaysContinueContinue reading “December 4: ‘On Fairy Stories’ Turns 76”

Walking the Enterprise: How a Video Rekindled Childhood Wonder

GEEK WARNING: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. Nostalgia levels may spike without warning, so proceed carefully.Hello, my name is Darrell… and yes, I’m a Trekkie. Always have been. Always will be. The Project That Stopped Me in My Tracks Every now and then, some corner of the internet taps you on the shoulder and says, “SitContinueContinue reading “Walking the Enterprise: How a Video Rekindled Childhood Wonder”