Tolkien's Animals: An (Almost) Complete Guide

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Jess of the Shire

Jess of the Shire

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 271
@gerbenhoutman9348
@gerbenhoutman9348 Жыл бұрын
I think my favorite animal in the trilogy was the fox that ran across the escaping hobbits in the shire. The fox thought that something very queer was going on, but never found out what it was :)
@davidsaville5239
@davidsaville5239 6 ай бұрын
Yes, something very queer was happening. 3 Hobbits were sleeping outside !!!
@brianbalster3521
@brianbalster3521 27 күн бұрын
i was disappointed that Jess didn't discuss the inner thoughts of foxes. Foxes are pretty sharp (almost sly), and not like Most lazy animals that wouldn't have given a second thought to hobbits sneaking around in the dark
@indigohalf
@indigohalf 11 ай бұрын
I believe Huan's designation of "wolfhound" means he's a breed like the Irish Wolfhound, a dog bred to combat wolves, making werewolves a very natural enemy for him. Depictions of Huan as simply a wolf-like dog have become a pet peeve of mine because it's such a missed opportunity! Irish wolfhounds are cool (and huge!) and the professor would likely have been familiar with them specifically, being a breed with strong British pastoral ties.
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
"Gnome" was an early name for the Elves that would eventually be called the Noldor. The word is based on the Greek word "gnosis" referring to knowledge.
@berts558
@berts558 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for explaining the Noldor gnome connection, it's very interesting that initially Barron wasn't a man
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
"Gnomes" appear in JRRT's early versions of the Silmarillion, which are in Book of Lost Tales.
@emmitstewart1921
@emmitstewart1921 Жыл бұрын
If Beren had originally been a Noldor and Luthien a Sindar, it would explain how they could easily fall in love, why her father opposed their marriage, and why he set a bride price that would probably get Beren killed. It would be comparable to a miller's son falling in love with a king's daughter.
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
@@emmitstewart1921 The final version was worse. Luthien, born of a Sindar and a Maia, marrying a mortal man, whom Thingol "did not even take into his service."
@karlsweeney2328
@karlsweeney2328 11 ай бұрын
Dude, we were there
@Gio-ce8ob
@Gio-ce8ob 9 ай бұрын
The thrush is a bird that is found in Celtic lore. The fae folks would take the form of thrushes and ravens frequently. There was even a story of a fae prince who married a human woman and he could turn from thrush to man.
@bsa45acp
@bsa45acp Жыл бұрын
Cats are mentioned twice in LOTR. Aragorn mentions Queen Beruthiel and her cats as they pass through Moria. The second reference takes place in Shelob's Lair where Tolkien mentions that Sauron regarded Shelob as his 'cat'.
@dsmdgold
@dsmdgold Жыл бұрын
There is also an indirect reference in "The Black Gate Opens" when the Captains of the West come before the gate a demand that the Dark Lord come forth. "he (Sauron) had a mind first to play these mice cruelly before he struck to kill." I've thought that casting Sauron in the role of a cat playing with mice as a sort of private Easter egg Tolkien inserted referencing Sauron's connection to Tevildo.
@bsa45acp
@bsa45acp Жыл бұрын
@@dsmdgold Good observation, definitely an indirect cat reference.
@melenatorr
@melenatorr 11 ай бұрын
@@bsa45acp As a cat person, with two feline sisters currently living with me, I am sad that Tolkien apparently had negative views about these animals.
@bootstrapbill98
@bootstrapbill98 10 ай бұрын
which book is that "shelob is cat" mention in? I don't remember that in the two towers, I assume it was in the legendarium or silmarilion?
@bsa45acp
@bsa45acp 10 ай бұрын
It was in LOTR, at the end of the Two Towers, page 333 in my copy, bottom paragraph. "And sometimes as a man may cast a dainty to his cat (his cat he calls her, but she owns him not) Sauron would send her prisoners that he had nor better use for: he would have them driven to her hole, and report brought back to him of the play she made." I hope that answers your question.@@bootstrapbill98
@karmavirus
@karmavirus Жыл бұрын
Just realized "Tevildo" is an anagram for "Evil Dot" The Eye of Sauron is similarly bright and red, and reflective of a cat's eye. Tolkien predicted lasers long before they were invented, and the cat's eternal struggle to hunt the red dot of evil.
@kathleenhensley5951
@kathleenhensley5951 Жыл бұрын
Oh, my ... the evil red dot of evil!
@johnt.inscrutable1545
@johnt.inscrutable1545 5 ай бұрын
Tolkien was definitely a genius and you’ve uncovered the final proof. Brilliant!
@grubslekcin
@grubslekcin 10 ай бұрын
One of my favorite little things in the lotr is the fox that comes across frodo, Sam, and pippin while still in the shire. I feel like it shows a brief window onto Tolkiens humor.
@gabrielblanchard3921
@gabrielblanchard3921 Жыл бұрын
The discussion about the Eagles and why they didn't fly them to Mordor (aside from the Eagles being sentient beings and not a taxi service) has of course been had to death; but I'd just like to say one thing about it. As we know, the Nazgul were mounted on the fell-beasts when they returned to Mordor after Frodo's narrow escape at the Ford of Bruinen, so, by the time the Fellowship left Rivendell, they presumably had their gross pterosaurs going on. Additionally, Sauron resides at the top of Barad-dur, which is tall. Speaking of tallness, a single error in carrying the Ring-bearer would result in his falling a very tall distance (deadly to him as a short person), through air (which is famously poor at concealing things). In other words: the "take the Eagles to Mordor" plan is, in a little more detail, the "bring the Ring up to Sauron's eyeline and keep it there for many weeks while the newly-airborne Nazgul zero in on it" plan. To me, as an alternative to what they went with, this sounds Bad Actually.
@adammickelson7398
@adammickelson7398 Жыл бұрын
Riding the eagles to Mordor would make for a very short and boring story. One wouldn't be very popular.
@sterlingherrera1792
@sterlingherrera1792 Жыл бұрын
Yes. I always felt that people acting like the eagles are a plot hole are being silly. Sauron is essentially a godlike being, so why would you make it obvious what you are doing? You have to trick him and be sneaky.
@dsmdgold
@dsmdgold Жыл бұрын
To add to the overdone discussion, Tolkien spends an entire paragraph describing the very well maintained rode between the Cracks of Doom and Baradur. The Eagles are spotted flying in, once Sauron figures out where they are headed, he hurries over there himself and meets them as they land. Things go badly.
@Svensk7119
@Svensk7119 11 ай бұрын
Well said!
@cally77777
@cally77777 10 ай бұрын
I dunno, with a bit of good timing the Eagles could get there pretty quick, without fear of interception from the Flying Nazgul. For example, when they were all engaged at Minas Tirith. Also when the plan was made, this particular device of the Dark Lord was unknown, so it should have been considered at the least. Sauron's power to perceive things afar off, especially as he had a palantir, meant he could at least in theory spot the Eagles coming. However he didn't see the hobbits coming, despite quite a lot of info that they were somewhere in the vicinity, and that they were carrying, and even using the Ring (Sam used it in Cirith Ungol, right on the borders of Mordor). So it looks like he could've been caught off guard. Would not make a good story, of course.
@MavenTheFae
@MavenTheFae Жыл бұрын
Bill the pony is the true hero of middle earth
@griffinfirestudios5005
@griffinfirestudios5005 Жыл бұрын
My dad always wanted a puppy so when he finally got one he named it Huan. It's a great Pyrenees and will therefore be very big...
@davidvernon3119
@davidvernon3119 Жыл бұрын
I have two black kittens, and i do not see them as purveyors of evil. But they are objectively purveyors of chaos. This is precisely why i love them so much.
@dlxmarks
@dlxmarks 9 ай бұрын
Included in _The Adventures of Tom Bombadil_ is "Cat" which is a traditional Shire poem possibly revised a bit by Sam Gamgee.
@colehamilton5917
@colehamilton5917 Жыл бұрын
I felt like the Hobbit movies did a disservice to Beorn's character. He's supposed to have a regal bearing.
@edwarddore7617
@edwarddore7617 9 ай бұрын
They were a disservice in general.
@CrusaderinBlack
@CrusaderinBlack Жыл бұрын
"Bill the pony and Shadofax were just really good horses." Sometimes thats enough!
@davidsaville5239
@davidsaville5239 6 ай бұрын
There is no mention of any other notable horses in Tolkien's world such as King Theoden's horse or the horse of the Elves that bears Frodo to safety from the Black Riders!!
@allisongliot
@allisongliot 2 жыл бұрын
One thing I love about the biblical symbolism behind animals is that even those that are usually portrayed as bad (such as wolves & snakes) are reconciled with the rest of the animals (& people) at the coming of the Savior. Isaiah 11:6 is one of my favorites: “the wolf shall be the guest of the lamb.” 🥰
@Jess_of_the_Shire
@Jess_of_the_Shire 2 жыл бұрын
Thats beautiful! I also considered putting in a bit about the story of Saint Francis and the wolf in Gubbio, but it would have been an excessive tangent I think. Still super neat how even "evil" animals within the context of the Bible can be turned good with enough love and care.
@mikearchibald744
@mikearchibald744 Жыл бұрын
I don't think they are literally talkng about animals. Thats one reason why there's a revival of pagan religions because animals simply are not part of the narrative for the big five religions, they are just useful symbols. Something I've always hated about them. Even humanists kind of say 'who cares'.
@markalleneaton
@markalleneaton Жыл бұрын
Also the use of the bronze serpent on the pole (where we get the modern medical symbol) in Numbers 21:8-9 - a representation of the people's source of suffering transformed into their instrument of healing. : )
@sebastianevangelista4921
@sebastianevangelista4921 Жыл бұрын
@@Jess_of_the_Shire This nicely goes over why wolves get a worse reputation than they deserve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap7QYX6vltSpnrssi=PcK8ADhm9pt3tJ8y
@micklumsden3956
@micklumsden3956 7 ай бұрын
I just love Saint Francis! And so few people seem to know the story of Saint Francis and the wolf. I’m thinking that it’s likely that as a Catholic, Tolkien would have been very familiar with Saint Francis. These two certainly would seem to have a similar view of nature and the environment. And of course Saint Francis developed this when it was complete the unfashionable to hold such views.
@benji285
@benji285 10 ай бұрын
What! Not a word for the ravens of Erebor, for these brilliant and loyal messengers... shame on you for having forgotten them! Justice for Roäc, son of Carc. 22:16 Bill wasn't healed by Rivendell's magic (although it might have helped a little) but simply by Sam's good care. 24:33 I assume you mean "the Great Trees of Valinor".
@brianbalster3521
@brianbalster3521 27 күн бұрын
Bill was in great shape, living in the wild (well, great shape compared to when they got him). grass water and love are about ALL a horse needs
@quimicoz
@quimicoz Жыл бұрын
You forgot the Oliphants,,,, "Grey as mouse, big as a house..." Spiders may be more used. plot-wise, but Tolkien never dedicated a whole poem to them!
@JCej
@JCej 10 ай бұрын
Yes he did! The one Bilbo sings to the spiders in Mirkwood to taunt them!
@mjlamey1066
@mjlamey1066 2 жыл бұрын
My personal fave is Roac the Raven. I know he was kind of a small part, but I've always loved corvids in general and kinda wished Tolkien had maybe leaned a little more into the Odin-inspiration for Gandalf more and gave him some raven friends to counter Saruman's crows.
@manyeyedcrow9391
@manyeyedcrow9391 Жыл бұрын
Lovely stream! Hooray for painful puns! The Ravens of Erebor were also quite important as messengers in the Hobbit, but kind of took a backseat to the thrushes
@keithprice475
@keithprice475 Жыл бұрын
You missed the fox in the Shire! A fleeting reference admittedly, but an intriguing one in a small way... :)
@markalleneaton
@markalleneaton Жыл бұрын
The horses ridden by the Nazgul serve as a tragic counterpoint to the "good" horses of Middle-Earth, and underscore the point that horses are a reflection of their caretakers. (e.g., again, Bill the Pony flourished under Sam's care once he was free of Bill Ferny.)
@drs-xj3pb
@drs-xj3pb 10 ай бұрын
Also reflecting their caretakers are Tom Bombadil's Fatty Lumpkin and Theoden's Snowmane.
@micklumsden3956
@micklumsden3956 7 ай бұрын
I like your casting of horses, not having owners but “caretakers“. It reminds me of the story where the little boy with the dog. He’s asked about his dog’s name. He replies “we do not know his name, but we called him Fido“.
@KhosrowZanganeh1374
@KhosrowZanganeh1374 9 ай бұрын
I was waiting for the fox that has dialogue in fellowship of the ring. My favourite animal in LOTR 😂
@bootstrapbill98
@bootstrapbill98 10 ай бұрын
every time you mention your rats, it makes me smile, i had a pair of rats, and they're honestly the most wonderful wee beasties and surprisingly cuddly once they get to know you
@drs-xj3pb
@drs-xj3pb 10 ай бұрын
See the rat playmate in Little Women, the only literary rat pet I'm aware of. Willard excluded.
@bootstrapbill98
@bootstrapbill98 10 ай бұрын
@drs-xj3pb definitely check out fancy rats (the common name for the breed/species of rat used as pets, which is different to wild/sewer rats, which are much bigger), they're remarkably intelligent and often seem/behave more like tiny dogs or cats than they do other rodents, and they're so fluffy 😁
@josephbalinski
@josephbalinski Жыл бұрын
I'd give Tevildo a heated blanket and cat snacks and he'd be rehabilitated in no time
@KatopianResonance
@KatopianResonance 9 ай бұрын
The reason "they didn't just fly in on the eagles" is that the only reason they could get there is that sauron underestimated them. If eagles had been involved, he would have dealt with them.
@Carlb328
@Carlb328 9 ай бұрын
You forgot the fox that asks himself where the hobbits are going.
@Pandaemoni
@Pandaemoni Жыл бұрын
I am surprised the intelligent fox from Fellowship of the Ring didn't get a mention. I am always left puzzled by that fox, who comes across Frodo, Sam and Merry headed for Buckland and sleeping the woods. The fox thinks to itself, "Hobbits! Well, what's next? I have heard of strange doings in this land, but I have seldom heard of a hobbit sleeping out of doors under a tree. Three of them! There's something might queer behind this." It suggests all of his animals could have a full and articulate internal monologue. And then, separately, there are also the "were-worms" in the Last Desert in the East of East that are mentioned by Bilbo...always wondered what they were.
@MountainFisher
@MountainFisher Жыл бұрын
Were worms were a type of dragon I believe since they are called worm sometimes in the Legendarium. At least that is what I assumed them to be first time I read it.
@Pandaemoni
@Pandaemoni Жыл бұрын
@@MountainFisher There is nothing in the Legendarium that describes were-worms. "Were" is an Old English term meaning "man," and certainly recalls "werewolf," though in Tolkien's world a werewolf was an abnormally large and intelligent wolf (not a man who could transform into a wolf as in other literature or folklore) although Sauron could famously take the form of a werewolf in the early ages of the world. "Worm" can mean dragon in Old English and in Tolkien's parlance, though it could mean a number of things in Old English, including (commonly) snakes or any reptile generally, earthworms and other modern-day worms, or (less likely to be what Toilkien intended for a childrens' story) things like maggots, unwholesome insects, or things that can causes disease. Were-worms might be dragons, though Tolkien also had dragons of man-like intelligence and doesn't refer to those dragons as "were-worms." That dragons are not elsewhere referred to by that term makes me think were-worms were probably snakes of manlike intelligence, but we will never know.
@MountainFisher
@MountainFisher Жыл бұрын
@@Pandaemoni I'm just giving my first impression.
@emmitstewart1921
@emmitstewart1921 Жыл бұрын
@@MountainFisher Worm was a medieval synonym for dragon, as Tolkien uses it in his story, Farmer Giles Of Ham.
@bootstrapbill98
@bootstrapbill98 10 ай бұрын
​@Pandaemoni aye agreed, it's entirely possible that the locals around where the were-worms lived used that name, hence Bilbo referencing them as such as they may be a particular species/subtype of dragon/drake/wyrm, distinct enough for bilbo to think of were-worms and dragons as sufficiently different beasts as to warrant different names (or just calls them what he was told they were called when he presumably asked? idk that's all conjecture but tolkein did LOVE giving multiple names to things depending on who was speaking)
@dustinclayton3520
@dustinclayton3520 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Just found your channel last week. What a tremendous amount of work and wisdom you put into these. I was bummed the fox in Shortcut to Mushrooms didn't get a mention. I love that there's just this sentient fox "passing by on business of his own" who wonders briefly about hobbits acting strangely. It's one of my favorite scenes in Fellowship, if for no other reason than it implies there are other stories, just as strange and meaningful to their participants as ours are to us, going on around us all the time.
@McGillus
@McGillus 10 ай бұрын
22:00 Tolkien saw the faith of horses in WW1. Those soldiers all went through hell but a neat fact is cavalry who lost their horse got leave of abcense. They understood the bond between man and horse in those days in a way we've forgotten today.
@BecauseOfDragons
@BecauseOfDragons 2 жыл бұрын
Great stuff - neat learning a bit more about the creatures of Middle-earth. Always loved how Tolkien wove nature and particular creatures into his storytelling. I like how it's present in all of the Free People's background and lore from the horses of Rohan to the ravens in The Hobbit and swans and such in the designs of boats and like amongst the humans and elves. It certainly showcases just how much stock Tolkien put in nature and being in tune with it rather than against it. Always been fascinated by Beorn in particular and it was neat that you linked him to Bombadil - I never would have thought that that mystery element built into his character. I would love to see more done about Beorn. I added a bunch about the Beornings into my One Ring RPG campaigns because I loved them so much haha
@Jess_of_the_Shire
@Jess_of_the_Shire 2 жыл бұрын
It is fascinating how he integrates the animals into cultural motifs! It enriches the world in such a beautiful way. Beorn is definitely going to come back up when I do a full video on Tom Bombadil. I had never made that connection myself until I read the journal entry that I linked in the description, but it's certainly a fascinating comparison. Thanks for watching, and for the continual support! It really means the world
@BecauseOfDragons
@BecauseOfDragons 2 жыл бұрын
@@Jess_of_the_Shire No problem, love watching every week - always fascinating learning more about Tolkien and from different perspectives!
@BrunoFernandes-ty7mf
@BrunoFernandes-ty7mf 5 ай бұрын
I discoreved your channel only recently, and have been watching regularly. But i did not watched your older videos. It is funny to see the distinction. I LOVE how you do your videos nowadays, but it was interesting to see also videos like this, when you put references and jokes. That gnome sounds killed me everytime hahahaha
@leonardpimentel5865
@leonardpimentel5865 Жыл бұрын
I have just watched a video that includes the line “Tolkien was a horse girl at heart.” This is a thing that has just happened.😂
@sgtmajor5700
@sgtmajor5700 Жыл бұрын
I picture Morgoth petting his giant cat, and ordering his troops around.
@edwarddore7617
@edwarddore7617 9 ай бұрын
Like the Godfather?
@tmutant
@tmutant Жыл бұрын
18:04 Thorondor was bigger than an Airbus 320 or a Boeing 737.
@joshuaerkman1444
@joshuaerkman1444 3 ай бұрын
Now that's helpful. Imagine a 737 plummeting from the sky and swooping you up, that would be terrifying even if someone you loved and trusted was doing it.
@jimluebke3869
@jimluebke3869 10 ай бұрын
"If battles didn't start promptly, berserkers would start fistfights with trees" If this raid isn't going to start on time, I'm gonna go play MineCraft.
@samuelbattershell3413
@samuelbattershell3413 2 жыл бұрын
13:30, technically Tolkien's werewolves were wolves with manish or man-like intelligence. Were- Man, Wolf-wolf. Thus werewolf = manish wolf
@cally77777
@cally77777 10 ай бұрын
Another appearance of the Eagles of Manwe was as an omen of the Downfall of Numenor. In its last days, 'a great cloud shaped as it were an eagle' appeared to blot out the sun, and bearing lightning beneath its wings, caused men to cry out in fear 'The Eagles of the Lords of the West!'.
@glennwoodbury7384
@glennwoodbury7384 Жыл бұрын
Gnomes was a term that Tolkien used in his early writings to refer to the inhabitants of Faerie. Sometimes meant Elves, sometimes Dwarves, but usually the former. He created a language he called Gnomish. Later he quit using the term, and switched to the ones we're familiar with today..
@qitiandaw2890
@qitiandaw2890 Жыл бұрын
I believe Gnomes is just the original name Tolkien had for the Elven tribe of the Ñoldor/Ngoldor. Both deriving their name more from the Greek word for wisdom/knowledge of ‘gnōmē’ which characterized the skill and arts of the Ñoldor. We even see the morphology of the ñ/ng in words like ‘Morgul’ meaning: ‘black (mor) sorcery (gul). Sorcery/magic derived from knowledge or skill. Just like how Ñolofinwë is called the Gnomish King in The Lays of Beleriand. He even had Bëor give Findaráto the Mannish name Nóm to further hone in on the Gnome in his work being the Ñoldor.
@dsmdgold
@dsmdgold Жыл бұрын
I've heard it jokingly said that excellence of Bill the Pony was Tolkien's apolpgy for having so many ponies eaten by goblins and dragons in "The Hobbit". I enjoyed the video very much, and since it was an "almost" complete guide I will forgive the exclusion of the importance of Swans, the Fox and the queer ways of Badgers.
@Oakleaf012
@Oakleaf012 Жыл бұрын
Tolkien as a horse girl is a joyful thought I will never let go. And it was nice to see a cameo of your rat! ❤
@mikearchibald744
@mikearchibald744 Жыл бұрын
I thought that interesting how at the VERY beginning of LOTR Tolkien has a fox thinking in human terms. But no animal really does that again. So Tolkien seems to be implying they do possess language, but unlike 'the old days' they don't bother communicating with humans. I always wonder WHAT kind of 'wisdom' Galdalf somehow passed on to Bill. Shadowfax doesn't seem that interested in a conversation, but he gets a free trip to Valinor for basically taking Galdalf on two trips. Its also interesting that Shelob never talks, despite Ungoliant having been able to, and obviously if gollum 'made a deal' with her, then she could at least understand language. Its interesting that the WORDS Frodo says when the nine riders attack are said to have hurt them more than the sword, but when Frodo and then Sam talk in old elvish, the text reads like its the light and the words have no effect. What that MEANS, I don't know, I just thought it interesting. He even says "she had heard elves say those words long ago and it didn't daunt her". The most cinematic part of the text is when sam is 'possessed' and speaks a language he doesn't know, but that doesn't affect Shelob. But then when 'he's just sam' again he basically yells 'come taste it again' and she goes crawling away. Again, I'm sure that means something in literary criticism, I don't know what it is, but its interesting.
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
When Sam calls on Varda (Elbereth) in the language he doesn't understand she replies by causing the Phial to blaze more intensely, helping Sam to defeat Shelob. The last surviving light of the Trees that Ungoliant killed, it's almost as if the Trees themselves fought Ungoliant's descendant.
@akostarkanyi825
@akostarkanyi825 Жыл бұрын
@@gmansard641 A great idea!
@emmitstewart1921
@emmitstewart1921 Жыл бұрын
@@gmansard641 It is actually the light if the sylmaryl bound to Earandils brow. It is not the last light of the two trees, since the sun is the flower of one tree and the moon is the fruit of the other. Shelob fears that light because it is a form of the light that eternally burned her mother and may have killed her in the end.
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
@@emmitstewart1921 I didn't think of that, Anar and Isil, carrying the last fruits of Laurelin and Telperion. I think JRRT referred the the Silmarils as containing the "last unsullied light" of the Trees. Perhaps I should think of it in those terms.
@johns1625
@johns1625 2 жыл бұрын
I always thought it was super interesting how Melkors evil influences and his marring of Arda changed all the animals in ways you wouldn't expect to be considered evil. Like, growing horns and antlers and having dominance disputes rather than living peacefully. Makes you wonder if this is why the Oliphaunts were so willing to be ridden and sent to war, since they were so HUGE and had four gigantic tusks.
@mikearchibald744
@mikearchibald744 Жыл бұрын
Even horses were, because thats what domestication does. I think thats why Tolkien makes a point of giving SOME domesticated animals 'language' to set them apart from the 'dumb' animals. Either way, 'evil' is very much a part of middle earth, so the idea that animals would just be one or the other seems unfair.
@sourisvoleur4854
@sourisvoleur4854 Жыл бұрын
My eldest daughter hates stories about anthropomorphic animals, and she hit that fox and stopped reading. No matter how much we tried to explain it was not a talking animals story and that fox is sui generis. She wasn't impressed. As far as I know, she's never read the book. 😓😓😓
@videomaster77
@videomaster77 7 ай бұрын
You're currently my favorite youtuber, loving this content!
@johnwalters1341
@johnwalters1341 Жыл бұрын
Would have been nice to mention the Ravens of Ravenhill in The Hobbit. Friendly to the Dwarves, Roac son of Carc could translate the Thrush's message for Thorin & Co.
@johns1625
@johns1625 2 жыл бұрын
The short tale of The Cats of Queen Beruthiel is solid proof that Tolkien agreed with cat lovers. That there are two types of people never to be trusted. People who don't like cats, and people cats don't like! 😂😂
@nemesis4852
@nemesis4852 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely
@antoinebelle3506
@antoinebelle3506 Ай бұрын
And it is well known that cats are Always irresistibly drawn to cat-loathing people!
@brianbalster3521
@brianbalster3521 27 күн бұрын
@@antoinebelle3506 unfortunately, i can attest this is TOTALLY true Cats think i'm a magnet (maybe partly 'cause of my allergies)
@Maryfs1
@Maryfs1 9 ай бұрын
I think Shelob's mother is the most interesting mystery in middle earth lore.
@DominikJaniec
@DominikJaniec Жыл бұрын
12:55 I saw so many movies like that, that was great!
@callsignsheepdog
@callsignsheepdog 10 ай бұрын
It is a rare thing for me to binge watch a single channels video's. I love you for your work my knowledge of tolkien and the ideologies of his works has increased, significantly challenging my preconceptions and ideologies deepening my love for fantasy. I admire and respect you which is not something I can say about most people I know personally and look forward to more.
@bharveymusic
@bharveymusic 10 ай бұрын
Plot twist - super mice are R.O.U.S.s and the Princess Bride lives within Tolkein's universe.
@edwarddore7617
@edwarddore7617 9 ай бұрын
Unconcievable!
@linnharamis1496
@linnharamis1496 5 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@linnharamis1496
@linnharamis1496 5 ай бұрын
I’ve been a fan of the Hobbit and the LOTR books (and movies) for more than 30 years. Over the last week, I have watched several of Your entertaining and humorous videos. Great job - and thank you.👍 (See super- thanks)
@ismarwinkelman5648
@ismarwinkelman5648 2 жыл бұрын
This is such a great subject, thank you for making an entire video about it 👌🏾😄
@SikkeOst
@SikkeOst 2 жыл бұрын
Nice Video! I've never gotten into Tolkien, but I've always been interested. Thank you for making a video that's easy to watch and learn a bit.
@Jess_of_the_Shire
@Jess_of_the_Shire 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad I could help you get a little further into Middle Earth!
@sebastianevangelista4921
@sebastianevangelista4921 Жыл бұрын
Can we get a LoTR adaptation where Sauron's a cat please? I didn't know I needed that in my life until now!
@edwarddore7617
@edwarddore7617 9 ай бұрын
He already had the eye for it.
@sebastianevangelista4921
@sebastianevangelista4921 9 ай бұрын
@@edwarddore7617 EEEHHH
@nickthehatmansmoviehouse2538
@nickthehatmansmoviehouse2538 Жыл бұрын
You have a very relaxing voice, you should do readings of books or short stories
@mjlamey1066
@mjlamey1066 2 жыл бұрын
You can't talk about Tolkien's animals now without talking about #JUSTICEFORGARM
@Jess_of_the_Shire
@Jess_of_the_Shire 2 жыл бұрын
My god. I can't beleive I made this mistake. Expect my formal apology video tomorrow.
@benji285
@benji285 10 ай бұрын
"Help! help! help!" 🐶
@brianbalster3521
@brianbalster3521 27 күн бұрын
i wish Jess had mention Tom Bombadill's pony.. He was magical as well
@deantheot7296
@deantheot7296 Жыл бұрын
Another wonderful video. Tempo is pleasant, presentation almost whimsical and information presented in a well thought out manner (segues can be stretched when your viewers are both interested and appreciative of your efforts) and your humility really helped. Your degree serves you well. Thank you. Please continue.
@lippoe
@lippoe Жыл бұрын
As someone who loves animals , I really enjoyed this video. It did make me realize that Tolkien didn't actually mention animals much that I can recall, other than the specific plot points you mentioned. Perhaps he leaves it to the reader to assume the standard fauna in the world. I think he does mention "forest creatures" when Bilbo and company are making their way through Murkwood. I think wargs would have been a nice inclusion in the dogs/wolves section, but I don't know how much lore there is to find about them.
@grangling
@grangling Жыл бұрын
thank you for your videos, as a wannabe tolkien historian these are amazingly well made
@sbskinner369
@sbskinner369 2 жыл бұрын
Also, as a "horse girl" at heart, I have always wondered if Tolkien had a special love for horses.
@kathleenhensley5951
@kathleenhensley5951 Жыл бұрын
I read that he actually cared for horses during the first world war at the front but I never verified that...
@cocobunitacobuni8738
@cocobunitacobuni8738 Жыл бұрын
Chat GPT knew: Furthermore, Tolkien himself kept horses and would often go on horseback rides in the English countryside. His personal experiences and appreciation for these creatures certainly influenced the way he depicted horses in his writings, emphasizing their grace, loyalty, and the strong connections they form with their riders. From what I know, Tolkien created the Rohirrim as a romantacised Anglo Saxon horse culture. "What if the Anglo-Saxons used cavalry more?"
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
@@cocobunitacobuni8738 With Saxon cavalry the Battle of Hastings would have been very different.
@cocobunitacobuni8738
@cocobunitacobuni8738 Жыл бұрын
@@gmansard641 I'm a noob in English history so had to go read up on it. yes it would have been very different. Why didn't England use horses?
@gmansard641
@gmansard641 Жыл бұрын
@@cocobunitacobuni8738 No idea, you'd need a medieval history expert on that one. But on the Continent there was an established equestrian tradition going back to the rise of the Carolingians in the 8th century. My guess is that the Normans adopted it when they settled in France.
@Fontoflife
@Fontoflife Жыл бұрын
Two other points. Don't forget about the ravens of Raven Hill in the Hobbit. And tho' it's maybe the most obscure character of all in the Fellowship, my fave is the fox in the woods who comes up on the hobbits and wonders to itself why they're out and abroad from Hobbiton.
@BracesForImpact
@BracesForImpact Жыл бұрын
Toklien's wolf stories, a yarn of armed robbery. I'll see myself out.
@johnwalters1341
@johnwalters1341 6 ай бұрын
At 21:05, the role of the Eagles as messengers of God is seen in the Eagle that brings the news of the defeat of Sauron to Minas Tirith in language straight out of the Psalms of David.
@HrothgarTheSaxon
@HrothgarTheSaxon Жыл бұрын
Carcharoth was raised by Morgoth, not Sauron and there are other dogs, Beorn's and Farmer Maggot's (sorry for being a bighead) Great video, again! I was actually not aware of the cat-business.
@mattyoder9441
@mattyoder9441 2 ай бұрын
I love your little inserted jokes. 😊 Never stop. "Bear with me" 😂
@JaKorsarz
@JaKorsarz Жыл бұрын
❤ "In Christianity, the Thrush is seen as a symbol of hope and resurrection. The story of Easter is often associated with the Thrush because of its connection to rebirth and new beginnings. Christians also see the Thrush as a symbol of purity and innocence. In some Christian artwork, the Thrush is depicted as a white bird, representing the innocent soul of a child.The thrush bird symbolism is also associated with music and song. In many cultures, they are connected to the creative arts. If you hear a thrush singing, it is a sign that the muse is close by and inspiration is on the way. If you are feeling creatively blocked, listening to the song Thrush can help to open you up to new ideas and possibilities." from spiritanimalsandsymbolism
@bloop5337
@bloop5337 3 ай бұрын
i can’t with the gnome thing 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 every time the laugh came up just made me snort
@bazookabullet101
@bazookabullet101 Жыл бұрын
What’s your thoughts on the fox from fellowship that observes Frodo with sentient thoughts?
@markwarner5554
@markwarner5554 2 жыл бұрын
Ah, Huan. Middle Earth's goodest boy.
@Dundien-ix4kd
@Dundien-ix4kd Жыл бұрын
20:41 and also in the hobbit the eagles refuse to go any where near men ( big people)
@antoinebelle3506
@antoinebelle3506 Ай бұрын
As an owner of two cats (or more exactly owned by two cats) I can attest that cats are not creatures of darkness and Evil. But they're real ass***les!
@mhmt1453
@mhmt1453 5 ай бұрын
Jess - part time hobbit/full time angel! 🌹🌹🌹
@IcarusRuthven
@IcarusRuthven 2 жыл бұрын
I have that same artwork of an eagle fighting a dragon, and I can't believe I never realized it could be Thorondor thrashing Ancalagon. It's been my phone's wallpaper since August.
@Svensk7119
@Svensk7119 11 ай бұрын
BCE? Aw, man. 180 feet are 60 yards. Half a US football field, plus ten yards. I don't think Shellob was the last of Ungoliant's descendants, since there were still spiders in Mirkwood. She perhaps was the last of her great descendants... you just kissed a rodent! C. S. Lewis more than made up for the lack of rats in El Profé's works. I hadn't noticed how few cats there were in Middle-earth, oh, Jess o' S. Thanks! Your commentary on horses made me realize... Robert Jordan combined Bill and Shadowfax into Bela!
@DeliveryMcGee
@DeliveryMcGee 3 ай бұрын
The end zones are part of the field.
@Drikkerbadevand
@Drikkerbadevand 10 ай бұрын
the constant gnome laughter when he's mentioned really got to me.. LOL
@nobody4248
@nobody4248 10 ай бұрын
Carcharoth sound like the sort of guy you want to keep at arm's lenght.
@taddy_mason4197
@taddy_mason4197 2 жыл бұрын
While not part of the Middle Earth universe, you would enjoy Farmer Giles of Ham. Where the titular character has a dog and a dragon that are both fun characters that feature prominently throughout the novella.
@taddy_mason4197
@taddy_mason4197 2 жыл бұрын
It is a fun quick read.
@Jess_of_the_Shire
@Jess_of_the_Shire 2 жыл бұрын
I love Farmer Giles of Ham! It's such a fun romp, and the animal/beast characters are just enchanting. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
@user-dv7ut7te8b
@user-dv7ut7te8b Жыл бұрын
Oliphants!
@j.s.c.4355
@j.s.c.4355 Жыл бұрын
are you aware of the KZbin channel called men of the West? I believe that is the channel that has a video about what would’ve happened if Bill the Pony had ended up with the ring.
@edwarddore7617
@edwarddore7617 9 ай бұрын
Shadowfax was also the only horse to not flee in terror from the Witch king, very brave. So neither Tolkien nor Steven King is a fan of spiders, I can relate.
@nicholasnomina7018
@nicholasnomina7018 8 ай бұрын
The riddle that Bilbo presented to Gollum?
@DavidSmith-jj7ll
@DavidSmith-jj7ll Жыл бұрын
Tolkien does write about more dogs in FotR, with farmer Maggot’s puppers.
@sbskinner369
@sbskinner369 2 жыл бұрын
Did Tolkien invent the ROUS' (rodents of unusual size)?😂
@Jess_of_the_Shire
@Jess_of_the_Shire 2 жыл бұрын
Now that is an EXCELLENT point.... much to consider
@drs-xj3pb
@drs-xj3pb 10 ай бұрын
I believe Morgenstern came before Tolkien, though not before stew.
@coolbrotherf127
@coolbrotherf127 8 ай бұрын
The gnome popping up every few minutes is killing me
@markp6062
@markp6062 Жыл бұрын
Good stuff! Fun and enlightening!
@j.s.c.4355
@j.s.c.4355 Жыл бұрын
You skipped the ravens of Erebor. While thrushes were friends of the royal family of Dale, ravens were friends of dwarves. Since ravens have strong roles in Skandinavian legend, it makes sense that he linked ravens to dwarves.
@berts558
@berts558 Жыл бұрын
Theatre nerd! why am I not surprised I spent three years in technical theatre in Grant MacEwan in Canada too, so it's not a shock that I like you, 😊
@ullupdrost4740
@ullupdrost4740 9 ай бұрын
Look up “Love of the three Oranges” it’s an opera. along with the puss and boots opera (19th century) Tolkien must’ve been keen on opera as it was at its height in popularity at the time. And there are several plot points you mention with animals which are 1:1. Especially the cat story
@jermainerucker2027
@jermainerucker2027 9 күн бұрын
*Valar creates universe *Also Valar "Wow wow! Wtf is that?! A giant spider? Who authorized these nightmare darlings?
@qitiandaw2890
@qitiandaw2890 Жыл бұрын
Beorn is also largely inspired the Norse Saga of King Hrólf Kraki in which Bödvar Bjarki is able to shapeshift into a bear to fight for the titular king. Bjarki’s father’s name, whom he inherited his shapeshifting ability from: Björn. I assume Tolkien would have or was going to have the skinchanging ability be some kind of curse from The Necromancer/Sauron given that in this Norse saga a witch casts the spell as well as Sauron’s own history in the legendarium to shapeshift to various animals.
@outgoingautismhowtoovercom8512
@outgoingautismhowtoovercom8512 Жыл бұрын
I think you have an original take on breaking down Lord of the Rings I like your style
@chipparmley
@chipparmley Жыл бұрын
wonderful video informative and so entertaining
@stephenbenner4353
@stephenbenner4353 10 ай бұрын
Cat by J. R. R. Tolkien The fat cat on the mat may seem to dream of nice mice that suffice for him, or cream; but he free, maybe, walks in thought unbowed, proud, where loud roared and fought his kin, lean and slim, or deep in den in the East feasted on beasts and tender men. The giant lion with iron claw in paw, and huge ruthless tooth in gory jaw; the pard dark-starred, fleet upon feet, that oft soft from aloft leaps upon his meat where woods loom in gloom -- far now they be, fierce and free, and tamed is he; but fat cat on the mat kept as a pet he does not forget.
@tell-me-a-story-
@tell-me-a-story- Жыл бұрын
The realtionship of CS Luis and Tulkin is like Freaaiser and Niles in Fraiser.
@JCej
@JCej 10 ай бұрын
You forgot the ravens in the Hobbit! Roäc son of Croäc!
@jamesonstalanthasyu
@jamesonstalanthasyu 10 ай бұрын
I wonder if Grond was based on any particular wolf.
@uptonsavoie
@uptonsavoie Жыл бұрын
Setting aside myth and fiction for the moment (if possible), I consider that a great number of authors and artists have kept and loved dogs and cats, but to date I have read or heard nothing about JRRT's keeping and loving them in real life. Yes, his frequent mention of pipe-smoking clearly reflects his own devotion to the practice (quite a few writers and artists of note were pipesters), but I wonder whether in real life he petted a dog or coddled a cat, since these domestic adornments seldom appear to advantage in the Saga or other writings. What say you?
@bryanhikes7248
@bryanhikes7248 8 ай бұрын
I think the most important cat in Tolkien is the cat who played a 5 string fiddle.
@danielpenney1455
@danielpenney1455 Жыл бұрын
Interesting. I always assumed Beorn and Bombadil were maiar.
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