Animals in Tolkien's work

[Eledhwen]

Hey there! I hope this is the right place for this question - if it's not, my mod friends, please direct me...

I am writing an article on Animals in Tolkien's writings and I was wondering if anyone has come across any book, articles or other resources that might discuss various aspects of animals, their significance, etc in Tolkien's work? Please let me know...

Thanks so much! :)

[Cassandria]

Hmmm this seems like the perfect place to me for this question. ;)

I don't have a book in mind, but will keep my eyes pealed as I finish reading Tolkien's letters. :)

[Eledhwen]

Thanks Cassandria!! :grin:

I've been researching animal symbolism in fairy tales in general and also morality/ethics in Tolkien's work, plus some of the psychological symbolism of animals in Tolkien's work (e.g. it seems that spiders indicate darkness, dragons a fierce, somewhat cruel intelligence, he used horses in two ways - to symbolize light, nobility, hope [Nahar, Shadowfax] and darkness, cruelty, fear [Ringwraiths' horses and mount of the Mouth of Sauron], etc.)

I know it looks to be a large order to have to sum up in about 1500 words, but if anyone knows of any resources that can I could refer to, I would really (really) appreciate it! :)

[IronHills Dwarf]

I've never run across an essay specifically adressing this issue. So I guess you'll have to go strictly with your interpretations of the source material. Personally I never connected the wraiths' horses with the attributes they share themselves. More as afflicted by fear etc. rather than symbolizing such things themselves. But maybe I'm completely turning around what you meant? :blush:

[Cassandria]

I agree to a certain degree IHD, the horses were symbols of manipulation and abuse; just like the orcs, they were bred to be dark, evil creatures, all of whom were driven by fear of Sauron. When Frodo asked why they were able to bear their masters, Gandalf said, "Because these horses are born and bred to the service of the Dark Lord in Mordor. Not all his servants and chattels are wraiths! There are orcs and trolls, there are wargs and werewolves; and there have been and still are many Men, warriors and kings, that walk alive under the Sun, and yet are under his sway. And their number is growing daily." Originally they were black horses stolen from Rohan. :( Still, I always felt awful knowing that they died in the flood at the Ford. :(

Eledhwen, I bet you'll enjoy writing about the Eagles. :) I see them as symbols of noblility and intellegence. Tolkien seemed to revere them in the way that he wrote about them. ;)