Death and Immortality in the Lord of the Rings

Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Get up to 60% OFF your subscription ➡Here: go.babbel.com/t?bsc=1200m60-y...
In this video, I explore the theme that Tolkien claimed to be at the heart of his Lord of the Rings trilogy-Death and Immortality
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=83474753
Got video Ideas?: forms.gle/VNTuGL8iNRfmuNoM7
Donate to my tip jar: ko-fi.com/parttimehobbit12870
Follow me on Instagram: / jess_of_the_shire
Contact me: [e-mail]
Music by Epidemic Sound. Check out my referral link here: share.epidemicsound.com/yz6hu0
Sources:
Nelson, Charles W. “‘The Halls of Waiting’: Death and Afterlife in Middle-Earth.” Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, vol. 9, no. 3, 1998, pp. 200-211.
Reynolds, Pat. “Death and Funerary Practices in Middle-Earth.” The Tolkien Society.
Art used (in order of appearance):
Vanitas- Pieter Claesz
Lake Cuivienen (Children of the Stars)- MarysMirages
The halls of Mandos- ralphdamiani
The Shores of Valinor- Ted Nasmith
Moria Gate Battle- Gus Hunter
Aule and the Seven Fathers- Ted Nasmith
Journey in the Dark- jcbarquet
Mines of Moria-jcbarquet
Mines of Moria pt 1- Moondoodles
LOTR- Balin’s Tomb- Lohrain
The Second Coming- 1700 Greek Icon

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Get up to 60% OFF your subscription ➡Here: go.babbel.com/t?bsc=1200m60-youtube-parttimehobbit-aug-2023&btp=default&KZbin&Influencer..parttimehobbit..USA..KZbin

[@neilbiggs1353]

Sorry Jess, you have to ditch your sponsor - they don't have Quenya or Sindarin... ;-) (They also don't have Finnish and Welsh which I believe are the languages they are most closely related to)

[@pendragon2012]

There is definitely a sense of afterlife in Middle Earth but it's a little shadowy. Thorin says he's going to "the halls of my fathers until the world be renewed". One thing I always wished Tolkien had done more with Dagor Dagorath. I like it because the existing draft says Turin will be the one to kill Morgoth for good and man, does that dude deserve to be the one! Nice job singing, Jess! 🙂But I am so sorry about your pets. And I think you tie that thought in well to your topic. Elves probably do feel the same way about humans.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I would love to have heard more about Dagor Dagorath! But I suppose it's nice that he left some things to imagination. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@kufkzxkxzvkdvkxz]

Nobody deserves to kill Morgoth more than Turin. The nature of his torment was so petty and personal, not to mention the absolute totality of it. Glaurung completely destroyed him and everyone dear to him at Morgoth’s bidding. Aside from that it’s also about the redemption of mankind for their contributions to Morgoth’s evil, which cleanses their souls so they can then participate in the second music of the ainur. It also offers a form of redemption for Eol, as he is the one who forged Turin’s sword that kills anything it pierces. It’s all VERY Roman Catholic.

[@pendragon2012]

@@kufkzxkxzvkdvkxz What I'm saying! In my head it's definitely canon though I bow to popular opinion that it is not. 🙂

[@baddayoverdosed]

I’m just learning about “The gift of Iluvatar” and had thoughts about the ring’s corruption as a kind of Faustian bargain: the ring extends your life but steals your soul instead. The Christian saying “what use is it for a man to gain the world but to lose his soul” also comes to mind. Sméagol’s soul was eroded by the ring, and his free will was overwhelmed by it and only death freed him from his slavery to its will. Immortality as a slave is what the dark fire offers and in that context, death becomes a sweet release.

[@rickjanzen2180]

You tackled this topic with sensitivity and tact. Your personal anecdotes about the rats fit well with the theme. I can emphasize as I lost a dog a while ago. As I get older the thought of my own death is less frightening than it was most of my life. I could see how the weariness that elves would feel, could happen to humans. I’m not there yet, but I could see that becoming a reality.

[@jefferyokc]

Memento Mori is Latin and means "Remember you will die" it was said to conquering generals and emperors to check their egos.

[@ScreenFiends]

So sorry to hear about your rats. We've had many pets, including rats and it's always so hard to say goodbye but each moment with them is priceless. Great episode, very touching 🙂

[@alexandermold8586]

You sing very well! My condolences on the death of your rats. They were a fun part of the channel and were great guests for your readings. I also think that you summed up well what Elrond was feeling when he was talking with Arwen about her choosing mortality when talking about your rats.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Don't worry, I still have 3 more rats, and they will definitely make appearances in the future. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@alexandermold8586]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire I am glad they will keep making appearances!

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire I'm glad to hear that!

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

A tiny correction (from what I understand in HOME). Elven "souls" are called back to Valinor when they die, to dwell in the Halls of Mandos until some/most will be given new bodies identical to their original (which their soul "remembers"). But Elves need not answer the call. They have freedom. However, if their souls exist untethered to wander, in time they will indeed fade into mere shadows and echoes of what they once were.

[@Archaeo_Matt]

Another excellent video. I have long held that Tolkien was really writing about his relationship with God, and especially in the choice we must make between stewardship or dominion during our time here. Also, I really do enjoy your singing of Tolkien's lyrics; it actually does help me better appreciate Tolkien's poetry and lyrics. I definitely appreciate the Gift of Ilúvatar. I love being me, and have truly appreciated my time here, but cannot imagine being trapped in a single consciousness for thousands of years, let alone eternity, without being somewhat horrified. My condolences on your recent losses. My 14 year old cat had a pair of tumors removed recently, which was quite surprising because of how active and playful she is for her age. She healed up well from the surgery; but, I know have limited time left with her. Best.

[@jamesmaybrick2001]

I find that one of the fun/interesting things. As a young man (immortal as all young folks are....) i couldnt understand why Elros, Arwen, Luthien would make their choices. But as an older, jaded, tired and far more worn older man the thought of immortality is just horrifying. The elves are not blessed/they are cursed. But they are all hot and have great singing voices so thats something ;). Its just occured to me we know barely anything about Elros other than the choice he made and what it led to, but perhaps there was some mortal woman in hs life and he chose to stay with her. That might fit with Tolkein being the romantic we know he was.

[@garrettboyum4070]

As a 7th grader that wanted to imbibe the LOTR world and it's mystery I wanted to write pithy quotes or sayings in the same spirit as LOTR and the all them eventually came back to life, the brevity of life , and then ultimately death. It's interesting to me that as 12 yr old this theme was very salient to me. Tolkien helped me see then that life is just a memory. That shattered my world back then and had me meditating deeply on my mortality which ultimately it led me to an encounter with God. Then recently I found Eastern Orthodoxy and it's been cool to feel like in some ways I've stepped into what feels like a real life version of LOTR in all the intracy, beauty, wisdom, and epicness. Oh and the songs/hymns so much melodic content for all occasions!

[@leonwilkinson8124]

Jess, thank you for sharing about the loss of your rats. Profound sympathies. These creatures who share and enrich our lives do die untimely, and it's heartbreaking. As you spoke, I was recalling a short story called "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes. I think you'll find it worth reading. It was translated into a pretty good movie entitled "Charly" (1968), the name of the human counterpart to Algernon, a mouse, though I prefer the story. Thank you for teaching me more about Tolkien. Be well.

[@byronl.729]

Insightful and touching episode. I like the new library setting, but I hope we still get to go location occasionally. I like when the pesky sun continues moving during filming, or a doe pokes her head out to see what the human is up to. Not a flaw....a feature.

[@gk14gardner68]

First off awesome video and beautiful singing. I think its such a beauty that Tolkien who experienced so much death in his life. Got to tell a story that makes so many people passionate and happy in that short life that we all have.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

It's a truly beautiful thing!

[@francescganau7679]

Pets can love you like no one does, so the death hurt in a special way that touches you very deep. My condolences…

[@allisongliot]

Memento Mori is a beautiful belief because it’s not about remembering death just to be morbid. It’s about being conscious of the eventual end of our lives so that we can value each moment here (like what you talk about at the end of the video) and also prepare our hearts and souls now to live forever in eternity one day.

[@ghostlybasket6537]

As soon as you started talking about the short lifespans of rats, I knew exactly where you were going with your analogy. I started crying right along with you, and went over the my cage to grab my two boys for cuddles. I'm so sorry to hear about your boys, they don't live nearly long enough. Each and every rat I've ever had has had such a huge, unique personality, and you're right, it does make them shine all the brighter. Every goodbye is so hard, but that never stops me from eventually adopting more. Best of luck to you on your rat-owning endeavors. They are so worth it.

[@michaelclueless]

Thank you for singing to us again. Your voice brings a special kind of peace to my soul, that I feel a need for. I need singing in my life, for sure.

[@bmwheeler1atverizon]

😢sorry for your loss. Love your knowledge and history of Tolkien. Again, sorry for your loss.

[@ianssight2785]

I look on as an old man myself and see a child tearful for a love lost. Loss of those we hold dear is hard and so brutally inevitable. Take heart in the time you shared as memories provide the closest we have to immortality

[@RingsLoreMaster]

A passing thought. Shakespeare held it is our children. Somewhere ot othher I read or heard that it is love.

[@williampalmer8052]

I am very sorry to hear about your friends. And thank you for a well crafted and thoughtful video.

[@jimolygriff]

A beautiful, sad and yet uplifting post. Thank you so much from a new sub.

[@Thunderous333]

I see my cat getting older and older, slower and slower. He's had a hard life and I hope when he leaves life he goes peacefully and rests peacefully. Thank you for this video, I think you're my favorite channels right now. :)

[@Celairiel]

WOW, you have such a haunting singing voice! I would love to hear your renditions of more of the songs. Great video overall!

[@bastioncrider1179]

Love the language-related sponsor! And woohoo for learning German! Also, despite being a lifelong Tolkien fan and reading the Histories of Middle Earth and all JRR’s stories, I just realized I learned most of my biographical Tolkien info from you! Thanks!

[@bastioncrider1179]

I posted my first comment before coming to the rats part! That was the sweetest and most honest thing I’ve ever seen on KZbin and I generally watch small, human creators! I’m so sorry and also so moved! Thank you for that and I’m sorry for your loss and I’m grateful for your understanding of it!

[@Mark-ke1rj]

thank you for sharing that very personal note about your dear pets. I'm so sorry for your loss. One thing that I truly love about Tolkien's writing is how he doesn't shy away from death and suffering, but rather sees it as a necessary aspect of a world that embraces life, and even considers it to be potentially seen as a gift. Also as a devout Roman Catholic myself, I appreciate your insight into our faith and how it shapes our view of the world. I hope that the love you have for your dear little ones can help you through the pain of the loss, knowing that you gave them wonderful and loving lives. God bless.

[@andreasderycke42]

I love your take on Durin's Song! Certainly a refresher after having hear Clamavi Di Profundis' version for the millionth time :)

[@BSWVI]

Huge hug from Canada. 🫂 Smalls are so heartbreaking, but so very sweet while they're with us. "Their lives burn so brightly." Live every single moment 🫂

[@GreyPilgrim_Mithrandir]

Thank you for sharing about your rats, Jess, I'm sorry they've departed but I'm very sure they were happy and knew they were loved. Death can be a heavy topic and not many of us will have seen it on the horrific scale and circumstance that Tolkien experienced, but it affects each of us hugely nonetheless. I believe mortality is a gift, where we can be released from pain and suffering, however it can also be seen as a curse but mainly from the perspective of the folks who lose their loved one, especially if it's "before their time".

[@tombraiderstrums09]

To your rats, you are basically an elf-a being of wondrous power, immense wisdom and ageless days 😊

[@justdarija3890]

I’m so sorry for your loss of your little pet friends😢 When my family’s beloved dog died on our way to vet (we’re going to put her down because she was sick for over a year and couldn’t eat or even walk, she was 13 at the time) on my mom’s hands it hit us hard. But the only words I had for me and my mom was that she had life full of love, treats, happy walks at the park and sofa naps. So maybe it will soothe your soul to know that your pets was so happy to be your pets for a whole life of theirs

[@NathanS__]

Clamavi De Profundis made an excellent version of the Song of Durin. It feels like a religious hymn for the dwarves.

[@claveworks]

The Queen song 'Who wants to live forever?' as featured in the film 'Highlander' is something that plays back in my mind when thinking about this stuff. I am also gripped by Tolkien's description of far off green fields in the afterlife, but sadly too much of a realist to actually believe... As for pets? My partner and I gave up (1 cat died, 1 ran away) we appreciated them greatly, but these days just want to spare ourselves the pain of loss...

[@blccdcrange]

thank you for being so vulnerable about your babies, im so sorry for your loss. your perspective really helped me look at my own situation differently. my cat is 13yrs old now and i have so much anxiety about the day i lose her. she is more family to me than ive ever known. considering her as special as tolkiens humans and how i am basically the elf who watches her life burn bright for a short time helps me to accept our roles in the world and appreciate even more how special she is. death is just another path we all must take. 🖤

[@mrsqueegee3597]

This makes me think of the Chesterton poem The Mortal Answers (Tolkien loved Chesterton’s works). It begins with a line from Yeats: Come away-With the fairies, hand in hand, For the world is more full of weeping Than you can understand. Then the speaker (the mortal) responds and rejects the offer to be free of mortal anguish: For they came with chains of flowers And lilies lances free, There in the quiet greenwood To take my grief from me. And I said, “Now all is shaken When heavily hangs the brow, When the hope of the years is taken The last star sunken. Now- “Hear, you chattering cricket, Hear, you spawn of the sod, The strange strong cry in the darkness Of one man praising God, “That out of the night and nothing With travail of birth he came To stand one hour in the sunlight Only to say her name. “Falls through her hair the sunshine In showers; it touches, see, Her high bright cheeks in turning; Ah, Elfin Company, “The world is hot and cruel, We are weary of heart and hand. But the world is more full of glory Than you can understand.” :)

[@mattyladd]

I’m so sorry for your losses. I lost my 2 dogs within a month apart. It’s hard, but the pain is how much love we gave each other.

[@legoseanland1760]

This video is a treat. To be here so early, to see a star be born. Sometimes it feels like the end of all the good times has happened, and then someone flies over your grave. Sincerely, thanks.

[@gardener68]

Thank you so much for talking about your wonderful rats. Our pets become family to us in ways we could never understand until they share their all-too-short lives and unconditional love with us. It made me remember how much I loved my cat, Leo. She came into my life by way of my now ex-wife when she was a kitten. Raised by two dogs, she would run to the front door when I would come home to greet me like the rest of her furry family. She would willingly let me flip her over on her back while I got her belly. When my ex would have her meltdowns, she would join the dogs with me in bed just to have a place to feel safe. When the marriage was finally irreparable, Leo was the one pet who stayed with me, keeping me company through my post-abusive relationship PTSD. She loved me unconditionally, and I never really felt alone when it was just the two of us. After I met my current wife, Leo was a little standoffish at first, but it took no time before she was taking turns using us as a warm bed. She was with us through leaving my old house with all of its dreadful memories, to our new house where we could build our own new life, just the three of us. Leo got older but was still the kitten at heart. She would let me get her belly, all the while purring loudly. She started having trouble with the stairs and slept more during the day. Finally, the days came when she was just slow and sick all the time, and her heart was getting too weak to keep her healthy. We knew we couldn't keep her in her condition. We spent her last day with her, letting her lounge under her favorite fig tree. We gave her more treats than she'd ever had in her life. When the time came, we went to the vet, and she laid on my lap like it was just time for another nap. We said goodbye to my sweet cat and dear friend of 15 years. We buried her under her favorite tree. It's been four years, and I still miss her terribly sometimes. A dear friend of mine painted a portrait of Leo with her goofy kitty face. Mostly nowadays I laugh at how funny she was when I think about her, but there's still a little kitty-shaped hole in my heart. RIP Leo. You were one of the best friends I ever had.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

The healing power of pets is amazing! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story

[@Glorfindel_117]

As a Christian, I share quite a few beliefs with the Catholics. And I really appreciate how Tolkien called upon nearly all of the shared teachings between the two, and it gives me hope that he truly was Saved. One day, our Eru will return, and I will get to be called home, forever. And nothing is more appealing to me in this world. Also, *because* of the Catholic themes he employed, his stories are about real virtue. Not about inserting some writers or directors worldview and trying to change peoples opinions or influence their thoughts to align with the current agenda of entertainment companies. It's just GOOD, simple, Human virtue. Valiance, loyalty, love, trust, hope, kindness, and so much more. The fact that Frodo knows by the end of his adventure that killing even a single Ruffian would lessen him and his people shows that he truly has learned these virtues. That mercy is *always* the correct choice, because it is the Godly response.

[@seandavidgallagher4494]

Beautiful singing thank you for this video

[@decluesviews2740]

I really enjoy these videos, and this one in particular had a lot of personal connections for me. I’m a Catholic theologian, who has done a lot of German study and translation. I am friends with Joseph Pearce, a Tolkin scholar. I am a co-worker of Dr. Holly Ordway, another Tolkien scholar. And one of my brothers is a huge Tolkien fan with a Master’s in Literature (but is a doctor and professor of Pharmacy).

[@ericgignac9887]

You have a great voice! It’s a delight to hear Tolkien’s poems sung.

[@NotEnoughAlpacas]

Jess, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved rats, your family. Talking about how their lives are but a moment for our lives reminded me of a post I saw a while ago, and I will type the text below if you have a second to read it. POV of a dog where humans are elves that routinely live to be 500+ years old: "They live so long... but the good ones still bond with us for our entire lives, these immortals are so kind, we must be good friends to them. Now I am old. The fur around my muzzle is grey and my joints ache when we walk together. Yet she remains unchanged, her hair still glossy, her skin still fresh, her step still sprightly. Time doesn't touch her and yet I love her still." "For generations, she has guarded over my family. Since the days of my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, he has kept us safe. For so long we thought her immortal. But now I see differently, for just as my fur grows gray and my joints grow stiff, so too do hers. She did not take in my children, but gave them away to hers. I will be the last that she cares for. My only hope is that I am able to last until her final moments. The death of one of her kind is so rare. The ending of a life so long is such a tragedy. She has seen so much, she knows so much. I know she takes comfort in my presence. I only wish that I will be able to give her this comfort until the end."

[@michaelpells1440]

Love this video, Jess! Another thought-provoking presentation. So sorry to hear of your pet rats’ passing. I can relate. We lost our 9 year old dog during the pandemic. 😢

[@groovemedium]

So sorry about your rats. It's never easy to lose a pet, let alone two. I loved hearing you sing again. It sounds so nice. Also you look really pretty.

[@beansnrice321]

"In the Age of Ancients the world was unformed, shrouded by fog. A land of gray crags, Archtrees and Everlasting Dragons. But then there was Fire and with fire came disparity. Heat and cold, life and death, and of course, light and dark. Then from the dark, They came, and found the Souls of Lords within the flame. Nito, the First of the Dead, The Witch of Izalith and her Daughters of Chaos, Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight, and his faithful knights. And the Furtive Pygmy, so easily forgotten" -Lord of the Souls

[@PhantomFanatic0927]

So sorry for your loss 💔 I definitely agree that much of Tolkien’s work is about death and life. And I think these tales can help us to come to grips with death in this world. I think about death a good bit as I work in hospice, caring for those at the end of their lives. And what you said about death making life worth living is so true. When we know our time is limited, it puts into perspective just how important our time here is. We can choose to make it count ❤️ And like Frodo says at the end of Return of the King, the shire has been saved, but not for him. He is at peace knowing he’s made a difference for future generations. I’m grateful for the Tolkien family making a difference for us today 💚

[@michaeldavis9190]

I think of death and immortality as only being an important part of the greater theme of the Lord of the Rings. I think ultimately, it's a story about Time. Death and immortality are parts of it, but there's also the greater aspect of how the world will change, and you can't do anything about it. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Sometimes kingdoms and knowledge are lost forever. Sometimes you can fight back against the flow of time, like Gondor's return to glory, but sometimes you have to know when to let go, like the Elve's leaving Middle-earth. The Elves, as being that live forever, are the ones most needing to accept change, but are the ones incapable of letting go. I think of it as a story about the futility of fighting change. Ultimately, on some level, we all know Gondor will eventually be gone, even if it is returning to glory for now.

[@robertgraham2656]

The new studio is cool and probably much more convenient than shooting outside but I really enjoyed the setting of your video on elves that was in a wooded area. Death is not an easy topic. I just finished the LOTR trilogy again and I always find something new in it. Next time, I'll pay more attention to how death is presented.

[@arleenm7367]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my sweet kitty last year and it still hurts to think of her. There is a KZbin video titled "Grieving Your Cat, Dog or Any Other Animal Family Member" by Jackson Galaxy about the loss of our little furry friends. It helped me somewhat.

[@walterl322]

Eru: hey, you're awake, I got you a gift Men: thanks, I hate it

[@idkthatxool749]

Hey I just wanted to say I’m so sorry to hear about your recent loss. Some people don’t understand how a pet can mean everything to you in a moment because pets rely on you for their everything. My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you my friend. ❤

[@robinriebsomer4607]

One of Tolkien's assertions is that immortality is not as wonderful as it seems. This is especially true when an immortal loves someone who is mortal i.e. Arwen and Luthien. I would think that one would grow weary with life if immortal. It is interesting that none of the elves lose a limb or become paralyzed. There is horrific suffering that leads some people to wish for death or to commit suicide. Death helps me appreciate the wondrous beauty of creation before me and forces me to create meaning and purpose in my life. If I were immortal would I just drift through time? Would I be less engaged with the fate of the world? Hmm. I will have to think about that. I am sorry about the loss of your pets. I have a cat and dread the day she leaves me for the Rainbow Bridge. Even so, her mortality makes her more precious to me.

[@matthoward5429]

Hi! I loved this video! Its the first I saw of your work and have subscribed so I can go through the backlog and see what you discuss next. Thanks for the great work and sharing your insights into tolkien.

[@windfiend]

I wanted to say that, as a person who works with and studies animals and nature, I can deeply understand your losses, and your grief. They are all like a little window to help us feel the true magic that is all around us, and every istant we can fully share with them is as precious as the depths of the universe. Even the worse times can give us so much to understand and be more wise for the future.

[@courtjester7778]

Thank you for your courage in addressing this difficult topic, and for sharing your grief with us. Grieving is something our culture does not do very well, as we are eager to deny the reality of death. But our denial of it does not undo it. I would like to mention my favorite death in the Lord of the Rings, that of Theoden. I love the humility of his last moments as he says “I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.” I hope that I can say the same at the end of my own life.

[@Anna_b360]

I’ve just found your channel and I am shocked you don’t have more subscribers! Your videos are always well thought-out and so relaxing to listen to. Excellent video, keep up the amazing work

[@LadyNieske]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful insight!

[@elizabethbinde5892]

I’m so sorry for your loss , I wish you healing and thank you for the wonderful videos ❤

[@BartonHNewell]

Another great video, also man oh man I'm so glad to see you getting sponsors.

[@larafrances1998]

Thank you so much for the work you into your videos. It's been great to be able to watch these videos while I've been getting into Lord of the Rings! They're always amazing and so thoughtful.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos! I really appreciate your support

[@stevenfaber3896]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@TheEntrncd]

Just wanted to say this made me cry in a good way, so thank you

[@angelcastro3129]

I am so sorry for your losses, I hope in time you can take solace in knowing you gave them a life full of love and care. Take care dearie. Peace Love and Blessings

[@philiptaylor7902]

Thanks for another thought provoking video, Jess. I was really touched when you spoke about your rats, that was a courageous thing to do.

[@sbjrcourses7961]

Another wonderful video! :)

[@josephmayo3253]

Nice job dwarfsinging. You have quite a lovely voice.

[@Blaze1b]

loved the video!

[@legoseanland1760]

Delightful. Thank you

[@toristiefel2137]

I really like the way Tolkien intertwines his beliefs into his work in a broad way. It makes his take on death seem comforting whilst using the other races such as elves to exhibit a different perspective on time. When we have a lot of time, or think we do, we may take it for granted. Whereas when we know that time is of the essence, we are more inclined to go into things with intention. The burial rituals of the dwarves is particularly fascinating to me as someone who is interested in that aspect of culture. Also, I extend my condolences for your pet rats. You made their lives so good and I could feel the love in the videos and pictures you included. The cat I raised from a young kitten passed suddenly last year and even though we have seven beautiful years together, it still did not feel like enough. All in all, a very thought provoking video!

[@jamestelfer4872]

That was wonderful. Thank you.

[@PDORR2]

"Human life is limited but i would like to live forever" Condolences dear Jess😢

[@Solomance]

Well spoken!

[@BC-ui9yt]

I love hearing you sing Tolkine's works. You should make an album. Hearing this song today hit me right in the feels.

[@phendan]

I hadn't explicitly viewed Tolkien through this lens but it's definitely a compelling one. Thanks for making this, even though it relates to a painful subject for you right now. Oh, und viel Erfolg! Deine Aussprache ist schon ziemlich überzeugend ^-^

[@padd6007]

There is something brave about looking after a being that you know will not outlive you and only live for so long. Many here, including myself, share in your pain. And know that you will get better in time. For at least we have time. Thank you for your honesty, it makes me swell up and feel again.

[@johnniejupiter]

A great philosophical take on death and you are spot on. Some waste precious few moments of life lamenting struggles and suffering, but they are the point. One cannot know beauty without contrast, nor peace, nor joy. And so we choose each day who and what we will be; what life we shall live. Tolkein knew this. Much allegory in his work.

[@Daniel-uu9td]

Thank you for sharing obviously painful moments in the last week for you. Death is a sting but it is better to have experienced those special moments than to not have. Here’s is to future precious moments for you!! .. and as Aragorn wished for Eowyn … wishing you joy and healing…

[@19mindmechanic55]

Dear Jess, A lovely, well thought out video. Perhaps hard to consider the subject matter the source of a "lovely" video, but you managed to provide a context and presentation of the matter in such a way as to qualify for the adjective (if that is indeed what it is - I have little-to-no grammatical knowledge). Your voice also qualifies, in a more direct manner, as lovely - but oddly, in a sort of inverted comparison to my initial thoughts regarding the discussion of death as lovely, your lovely voice - and truly outstanding creativity if indeed you created the melody - was strangely powerful in providing the atmosphere that ultimately brought me close to tears. Just one note, although I am no Biblical scholar, I believe that the Catholic beliefs that you presented regarding the return of Jesus and the End of Days are based quite literally on the original Biblical beliefs regarding the Messianic age and the End of Days, and the Dry Bones and so on. The Catholic beliefs and some practices tended to be closer in many ways to those of the Jews than Protestant sects if only because of their temporal proximity. Once again, thank you Jess for another wonderful video. I am sorry about the loss of your pets (I am not fond of the word pet but don't know a better one). I once lost a dog when I was a boy and my mother took him to the vet for some simple procedure and she left him there. That afternoon they called to say he had died. Being an adolescent male, my reaction was tinged with no little blood-red rage. Fortunately, I did not manage to succeed to do anything too terribly foolish. But I did have to come to grips, on some level, with the grief that seemed compounded by the nature of his loss. The loss of any pet animal can be deeply painful and a genuine source of grief and loss. Those who would mock others who may feel that way are simply Orcs in human disguise.

[@garysetter4142]

I've never heard a Tolkien song sung. Thank you. It was beautiful

[@TheRealTMar]

As being Germany's dear western neighbour who also took German in school, your pronunciation is great!

[@earlschenk4343]

Thank you again for sharing about JRR Tolkien. I find your videos full of deep thought about what he had to say about life, death, war, and so much more. His writings help to show one's life is full of struggles and hardship, but that in the midst of them there are bright moments like life in the Shire. There will always be Saurons and many like his ilk. Death is part of that life. Morbid and painful, but it can also point to moments of life's happiness and joy. JRR Tolkien was an interesting man and was also surrounded by other interesting men such as Clive Stapleton Lewis, better known as C. S. Lewis, the author of many books including the well-loved Chronicles of Narnia. I saw a book on your shelf entitled The Inklings which I believe was the name of a group of writers, which included the aforementioned C. S. Lewis, which met in a pub to share stories and ideas over a pint and a pipe. Keep up the great work. I enjoyed your singing of Gimli's song and other songs from Tolkien's works.

[@chipparmley]

wonderful video

[@thephilguy1]

Sing us more songs like the Dwarven piece at 10:11, it was unexpected but you captured the mood very well!

[@richardjohnston-bell476]

Your story about your rats breaks my heart. But it is a great analogy for elves and men and gives it a relatable meaning

[@shanehiggs1779]

Very sorry to hear about your rats. I lost my Doberman a couple of weeks ago - he was 11 and had been my best buddy. But he's just going ahead and will meet me on the other side when its my time to go. Still hurts tho.

[@johnmeyer2072]

Yes, yet another moving and thought-provoking video. Wish I could give you two thumbs up. Having been raised a Catholic, I have mixed feelings about it, but when I hear people like yourself explain Tolkien's relationship to it I gain a better, more sympathetic understanding of the better parts of it.

[@frankjansson7563]

Always liked, already subbed. Can relate to loosing animal friends. Had dogs all my life. When they get old you have time to prepare their passing. But when it just happens, its the worst. Take care

[@Pixis1]

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your rats. I lost one of my cats unexpectedly a few years ago so I know how hard the death of a pet can be. Regarding death and immortality, one aspect you didn't fully explore is the consequences of trying to cheat death. This is also a major theme in Tolkien's work. The Numenoreans were jealous of the Elves' immortality and tried to sail to Valinor, which was forbidden. It lead to the sinking of Numenor and the downfall of their entire civilization. Many of the Ring-bearers had their lives extended by their Rings of Power and the results were horrifying and unnatural. The Nazgul faded until they were nothing but shadows of their former selves, enslaved to Sauron's will. Gollum became a twisted, wretched, emaciated creature after carrying the Ring for 500 years. Even Bilbo couldn't fully escape the consequences of his extended life. He felt like "butter scraped over too much bread" and could sense that he had lived too long. Trying to skip out on the "Gift of Men" was a big no-no in Middle-earth.

[@_Booksphere_]

Starting The Hobbit for the first time today! So excited to start this series

[@meganberk6072]

Making me cry thinking about my beautiful girl ratties who passed a few years ago. I haven’t been able to have rats since, they broke my heart

[@TurinTuram]

very interesting, thanks take care!

[@richardknowles6287]

So sorry for the loss of your ratties. I used to have pet rats and they are precious and precocious pets. I bought a extra 6 months of time for one of mine when she got mammary cancer via a successful surgery to remove the tumors but later she died of heat stroke on a long hot car ride which broke my heart. But I get your point, “The gods envy us, for we are mortal” and that makes life precious.

[@-SayWhatAgainMF-]

Your monologue about the death of your rats (condolences btw) got me thinking about the 27 club. Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Robert Johnson, etc. They all died so early, but accomplished so much in the short time they had, each revolutionising music in their own unique ways.

[@JM-do6wc]

Beautiful song. Your voice is so sweet and magical. So sorry for your losses.

[@ThePhoenixSlayer]

I'm very sorry to hear about your rats :( I lost both mine about a year ago (one to a sudden seizure, and the other to a tumour) I know exactly how you felt about not saying goodbye. My rat that had a seizure just seemed a bit tired, and then later the day I realized it was getting worse, so I took her out to cuddle a bit. That was the last couple minutes I had. I have 2 more now (Pinky and Bruin (pronounced "brain". In my language bruin means brown, and she is brown. Very funny lol)) It really helped me get over the previous two, although never completely. Your rats also looked very cute, so I hope you get some more too (If that's what you want, of course)

[@CapuchinFranciscan]

I think the idea of Death as a Gift, but still a mysterious Gift, is summed up nicely in Aragorn's last words to Arwen: "In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory. Farewell!"

[@PhillipChalabi]

I enjoyed your singing of the poem. I would say it may have hit even harder if you showed yourself while singing it. Def dig your channel, keep dumping us lore. Subbed for sure.

[@timberwolf3781]

how you compared the loss of your rats to Tolkien's humans was fascinating. Thank you for sharing your obvious discomfort. For the first time in my 40+ years of Tolkien study I finally seemed to understand the elves a little better.

[@technologistrevolution]

The same happened with me and one of my rats, routine surgery to remove a benign tumor and she didn't come back. She was nearly 2 exactly so we think maybe she was just too old but really good at hiding her age in her daily life.

[@Yog-Speggoth]

You hit that tune gat damn