tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660668851365225517.post4133573194426197116..comments2023-05-12T00:53:59.969-07:00Comments on Arrow Through the Sun: Robert Jordan vs. J.R.R. Tolkien, Part 1Ben McFarlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08364608981370156708noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660668851365225517.post-19071229151417449172013-05-13T21:15:11.169-07:002013-05-13T21:15:11.169-07:00Instead of comparing the two universes of these au...Instead of comparing the two universes of these authors (assuming they are two separate universes and not simply a continuation of the same one), consider that Tolkien and Jordan explored two different aspects of the same reality. Tolkien constructed a rich, detailed universe of theology and culture. The Silmarillion is essentially the Pantheon of the Tolkien universe, and his use of constructed languages and societies throughout the trilogy lend it a depth that resonates on a certain level of human shared experience.<br /><br />But Jordan didn't simply reuse the same tired cliches that less talented writers like Terry Brooks and countless others tried to recycle: he plumbed depths that Tolkien left unexplored. Tolkien left it up to his audience to suspend disbelief to an extent that Jordan didn't: we were expected to just accept that magic was something that happened and its supernatural origins should be accepted on merit. Jordan, however, constructed a completed and whole system through which magic functioned and could be explained in the context of his universe; furthermore, this highly structured system was central to his rather convoluted plot and he managed to incorporate it elegantly despite a rather simplistic original outline.<br /><br />Also, Jordan incorporated many aspects that Tolkien omitted; namely, Eastern philosophy and contemporary world history. Scattered references throughout Jordan's work to legends such as the giants Mosk and Merk dueling with lances of fire (the Cold War) and the wise counselor Anla (Anne Landers) advising the queen Elsbet (Queen Elizabeth) lend a certain poignancy to current audiences, connecting their own present to the timeline of the series.<br /><br />In summary, I don't think this subject should ever be approached as "Robert Jordan vs. JRR Tolkien"; they approached the subject matter from entirely different perspectives, yet managed to immerse the audience equally in separate aspects of the same universe.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10709169607979267069noreply@blogger.com