By Bernie Bell

I’m thinking of reading ‘The Hobbit’ and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, again.  I read them first about 50 years ago, just because I wanted to.  Since then, I tend to embark on them when I’m feeling un-settled.

At this point in time, I feel generally un-settled, and at times, very un-settled indeed!

There’s a lot of sound sense in the tale of that journey, and the observations made along the way.  For example, Gandalf’s observation –  “Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.”

There is a general idea that, if we keep on keeping on https://theorkneynews.scot/2017/11/05/keep-on-keeping-on/, do what we can, as best we can, there is always a chance that our life might turn around, and work for us, eventually – look at how long Strider had to wait.

There is also a warning not to let propaganda and mind control dictate our actions.  Through his Palantir, Saruman can see into the minds of those who look into it, and he can warp those minds, through that contact.

Sauron – is Sauron – at least he’s straight forwardly bad – you know where you are with Sauron – preferably as far away from him as possible!

But, some of his network of minions are more subtle in their approach, at first, and it’s those that need watching.

“All that is gold does not glitter.”

The message being – don’t fall for the glitter.

That’s the darker side of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work – the books are also full of hope and good times – simple good times. Good times to be had along the journey, and, hopefully, lasting good times and stability at the journeys end.

The Elves had to fade, and go into the West – some things, even good things, have to end, have to go, leaving their influence behind them.

So, I’ve finished ‘The Ness of Brodgar: As It Stands’  – another tale which is part of a longer story, and I’ll go and visit Middle Earth, and ….settle myself.