15 Comments
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Helena's avatar

This was so beautifully well written it moved me to tears. I have a chronic illness that often drives me into despair, and I'll save this email to re-read it every time the darkness feels too close. Well done and thank you.

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Marc Sims's avatar

That is so encouraging to hear—the Lord bless you and keep you.

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Eldarintur-Master of Elvish's avatar

You've jogged my memory of so many things that I had forgotten or not known until now.

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Eldarintur-Master of Elvish's avatar

Wow this is awesome man! Keep up witing articles!

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Lorenza's avatar

This is a beautifully written, moving analysis. It’s funny, I’ve just started a Substack and published my first introductory piece today. I look into how some (hopefully, most) of Tolkien’s people move through hope and despair throughout their journeys in Middle-earth. Check it out if you’re interested! My next post will be about Boromir :)

https://open.substack.com/pub/lorenza439755/p/welcome-to-the-palantir-papers-a?r=17lqvu&utm_medium=ios

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Bridget's avatar

"Repeatedly in Lord of the Rings, Tolkien has his heroes set in hopeless, dire situations speak to the forces of evil as if they are actually in a position of strength" -> this footnote in an excellent article reminded me first of Gideon being told that he has way too many soldiers and needs to tell most of them to go home.

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Jacob Hintz's avatar

Man, I don't know that I have the words to express how much I needed to read this. Definitely going to read a few more times to really process and take it in.

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Tiffany Chu's avatar

I was reminded of your piece, too. :)

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MaryAnn McKibben Dana's avatar

Excellent work, Josh. Love this.

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JRR Jokien's avatar

All credit to Marc for this excellent article!

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Mark Armstrong's avatar

Surely there must be some middle ground… 😅

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Mary Catelli's avatar

*clears throat*

A *miles gloriosus* is not a *glorious* but a *bragging* soldier. That is why he falls silent when put to the test.

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Marc Sims's avatar

Take that up with Josef Pieper!

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Mary Catelli's avatar

Eh, too much work.

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