The Influence of Folklore on J.R.R. Tolkien and Beyond

Embracing Ancestral Wisdom

Hi angels, ✨🌿

Isn’t it magical how the whispers of ancient times still echo in our modern world? 🌙✨

I’ve been a lover of all things magic and folklore since childhood. Many artists, writers, and philosophers have been inspired by the pagan and folk religions around the world and delivered to us unimaginable ancient wisdom through their art. 📜🧙‍♀️

The grandeur of the Past inspired by folk culture - Catherine’s Palace (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Let’s take a cozy walk through the enchanting landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth (The Lord of the Rings) and discover how deeply rooted it is in Celtic mythology. I’ll also introduce to you other brilliant minds who cherished and championed the old ways, like C.S. Lewis (from The Chronicles of Narnia fame). These legends remind us that ancestral wisdom isn’t history or mythology – it’s a blueprint for living a richer, more connected life. 🌲🧝‍♂️

J.R.R. Tolkien: Weaving Celtic Magic into Middle-earth

Tolkien’s work is a tapestry of myth and legend, and if you look closely, you can see the slivers of Celtic mythology in his books. Recall the elegance of the Elves – their timeless advice, love for Mother Earth, and their magic. They echo what resembles the mystical Tuatha Dé Danann (“tribe of the Gods”) from Celtic lore, those ancient beings who lived in harmony with the natural world. 🧚‍♀️🍃

Remember the lush, green landscapes of the Shire or the enchanting forests of Lothlórien? Tolkien’s descriptions are like portals to a world where nature is sacred, just as the Celts saw their own homeland. His work wasn’t just world-building; it was a love letter to the earth and a call to reconnect with it. 🌿🌼

What I like to imagine as Narnia Characters - Catherine’s Palace (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Other Guardians of Ancestral Wisdom

Tolkien wasn’t alone in his reverence for the old ways. There was C.S. Lewis, whose Narnia is steeped in Christian allegory and medieval chivalry. His stories are filled with a sense of spirituality and morality that feels timeless. Lewis believed in the power of folklore (or myths, as they are wrongfully called) to convey profound truths and reconnect us with our spiritual roots. 🦁📖

Let’s not forget Carl Jung, the Swiss psychologist who delved deep into ancient myths to understand the human psyche. His idea of archetypes – those universal symbols found in myths worldwide – shows us that our ancient stories hold the keys to understanding ourselves even today. 🧠🔑

Joseph Campbell, with his exploration of the Hero’s Journey, revealed how our oldest stories map out the path to personal growth and transformation. His work reminds us that the wisdom of our ancestors can guide us through our own life’s adventures. 🏞️🌟

Last but not least, H.P. Lovecraft, whose cosmic horror draws heavily on ancient Mesopotamian and Sumerian mythologies. His stories, though dark, remind us of the power and mystery of the ancient gods, urging us to look beyond the mundane and into the vast unknown. 👁️🔮

The Power of Ancestral Wisdom

Why does all this matter? In a world where we can’t escape the latest gadgets and trends, there’s something deeply comforting about the old ways. Our ancestors lived in close harmony with nature, celebrated the cycles of the earth, and honored their spiritual traditions. They found meaning and magic in the daily adventures of life; while for us life has become mundane and without purpose. 🌾🌍

Imagine celebrating the changing seasons with festivals that connect you to the earth's rhythms, just as the Celts did. Picture a life where spirituality isn’t an afterthought but woven into the fabric of your day, offering you peace and grounding. Envision communities bound by shared rituals and traditions, providing a sense of belonging and continuity. 🎉🌿🕯️

Intricate detailing based on folk religion and Christianity - Peter’s Palace (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Inspiration from the Great Minds

Tolkien, Lewis, Jung, Campbell, and Lovecraft – these great minds remind us that the past isn’t just behind us; it’s within us, from the DNA through our ancestors. Their works are treasures that reconnect us with our roots and inspire us to live more thoughtfully and spiritually. 📚🌌

So, let’s take a leaf from their books and remember the power of ancestral wisdom. Let’s celebrate the old stories, honor the natural world, and weave a little bit of that ancient magic into our modern lives. In doing so, we can find a deeper sense of purpose, belonging, and joy. 🌟🌿

Love,

Zitni Zun 💚

Here, Mum and I felt like we lived in the Annwn (the Celtic Otherworld)

P.S. What folk-inspired stories do YOU like to read/watch? Leave them in the comments!

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