How was Isildur Able to Curse the Men of Dunharrow?

Isildur and the Men of DunharrowOaths and curses figure strongly in the fantasy works of J.R.R. Tolkien because of their context within Old English / Old Norse speaking cultural traditions. An oath-breaker was a Nīþ, an extreme social outcast. Oath-breaking is the worst sort of violation and betrayal seen time and again in Tolkien’s works. Continue reading How was Isildur Able to Curse the Men of Dunharrow?

Why Does the One Ring have Such an Obsessive-Possessive Effect?

The One RingA questioner over on sci-fi.stackexchange asked this question on regards to the One Ring in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings asks “Considering the ring wants to return to its master, why do current possessors of the ring feel such a strong desire to keep it?” Continue reading Why Does the One Ring have Such an Obsessive-Possessive Effect?