The Map of Wilderland : Ecocritical Reflections on Tolkien's Myth of Wilderness / Amber Lehning.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lehning, Amber, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Literature.

Tolkien, J. R. R. (John Ronald Reuel), 1892-1973--Criticism and interpretation.

Tolkien, J. R. R.

Tolkien, J. R. R. (John Ronald Reuel), 1892-1973.

Genre:

Literary criticism.

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (296 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Kent, Ohio : The Kent State University Press, [2022]

Summary:

Examining the mythic importance of wilderness in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth A study of myth suggests that the stories we human beings tell ourselves about who we are make us who we are. Amber Lehning extends such discussion into the ecocritical realm, arguing that the stories we tell ourselves about our relationship to the natural world are at least as powerful as science or government policy as drivers of our behavior toward our planet. The destructive modern myths underlying today's environmental crises create a kind of intellectual separation between humanity and its environment that can end up justifying the worst of environmental excesses-and perhaps, she argues, the only way to counter these negative humans-versus-nature stories is to shift some of the deep belief they command into new, positive, restorative stories. The Map of Wilderland argues for the position of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium as one of those good stories. Using source critical and ecocritical perspectives, Lehning traces some of the ancient Celtic, Germanic, and English mythic roots of Tolkien's work; examines how those roots influence Tolkien's own depictions of the wild natural world; and suggests ways that this wildly popular modern myth could serve to help counter today's destructive environmental ones. Through insightful close readings of Tolkien's texts, Lehning's work complements existing inquiries in ecocritical Tolkien studies and bolsters the general critical agreement that Tolkien's work presents positive environmental themes and a harmonious, inspiring vision.

Contents:

front matter

contents

intro

part 1

chap 1

chap 2

chap 3

part 2

chap 4

chap 5

chap 6

part 3

chap 7

chap 8

chap 9

conclusion

notes

bibliography

index.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781631014871

1631014870