The White City: The Lord of the Rings as an Early Medieval Myth of the Restoration of the Roman Empire
Judy Ann Ford
The White City: Lord of the Rings as an Early Medieval Myth Restoration Roman Empire Judy Ann Ford (bio) Pippin gazed in growing wonder at great stone city, vaster and more splendid than anything that he had dreamed of; greater stronger Isengard, far beautiful. Yet it was truth falling year by into decay; already lacked half men could have dwelt ease there. In every street they passed some house or court over whose door arched gates were carved many fair letters strange ancient shapes: names guessed kindreds once there; yet now silent, no footsteps rang on their wide pavements, nor voice heard halls, any face looked out from empty window. (RK, V, i, 24) this passage, marvels Minas Tirith, capital city kingdom Gondor. He sees age, remnants signs decline a civilization. This splendid, though decayed, south strikes quite different not only his native Shire but also else encountered Middle-earth. For Rings, for Silmarillion, one Tolkien's declared intentions to create mythology England; intended be epic such Anglo-Saxons other northern-European Germanic peoples might composed.1 Of course, is twentieth-century novel which draws variety historical cultures literatures, excluding Europe youth. Nevertheless, multitude ways explored scholars, grounded language, literature, culture early North. Celtic neighbors did build cities stone; within memory made places like Tirith Empire. shared lengthy history with Romans. Rome exceedingly long-lived political state: emerged tiny independent republic late sixth century B.C., its republican institutions gave way form government dominated emperor turn millennium, fell fifth A.D. When tribes first [End Page 53] largest empire western civilization known. Settling agricultural villages empire's north-eastern boarders, admired imitated wealthy, successful neighbor. As historian Richard Fletcher notes, followed familiar pattern peripheral outsiders model themselves upon hegemonic power boarders are situated (Fletcher 71). interacted Romans centuries, peacefully through trade travel, violently boarder skirmishes. Although Rome, both geographically culturally, became central focus attention. Their elites learned Latin; copied Rome's coinage law codes. began collapse internal weaknesses fourth century, pushed territory. 410 Visigoths sacked during remainder Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Vandals, Franks, Angles, Saxons, kingdoms territories ruled emperor. A glance map 500 shows nearly all lands hands. Rather seeing enemies, saw becoming part empire. "When defenses barbarians entered inheritance long been preparing themselves. They came wreck join" But found easily step inheritance. could...
Tolkien Studies