The Power of Music in the Tale of Beren and Lúthien by J.R.R. Tolkien

Katarzyna Wiktoria Klag

doi:10.18778/2353-6098.2.09

Authors

Katarzyna Wiktoria Klag

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/2353-6098.2.09

Keywords:

Beren, Lúthien, Middle-Earth, music, Tolkien

Abstract

Tolkien valued music in his private life, and this is mirrored in his works about Middle-Earth, which owes its very existence to music. It is born out of the song of the Ainur. But the role of music does not end with this creative act, rather, it continues to influence the history of Middle-Earth. The paper aims to analyze the role of music in the tale of Beren and Lúthien in the published Silmarillion. The tale of Beren and Lúthien was of personal significance to Tolkien himself. It also includes numerous allusions to music. It is the language of love for both Beren and Lúthien, who make their own songs. Lúthien’s music has power which allows her to overcome Sauron and Morgoth and to win a second life for Beren from Mandos, while Finrod uses music in his duel with Sauron. Music affects both positive and negative characters, including Sauron and Morgoth. Its importance is also emphasized by the existence of professional musicians, such as Daeron, Thingol's minstrel. The story "Of Beren and Lúthien" demonstrates the power of music, which has a huge impact on the entire history of Middle- Earth. Without it, many events would never have happened.

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