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Albero e foglia
Il libro contiene alcune fiabe di J. R. R. Tolkien, precedute da un saggio sulla fiaba. Accostare la saggistica e la narrativa di Tolkien non vuol dire giustapporre due settori della sua attività, ma offrire due profili diversi dello stesso scrittore. Sia nella critica che nel racconto di Tolkien si nota la stessa grande e tipica qualità: la serietà del mistico e del metafisico è sempre mediata dall'umorismo, come è sempre filtrata dall'erudizione.
229 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 1975
20 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
J.R.R. Tolkien
786 books77.3k followersJohn Ronald Reuel Tolkien: writer, artist, scholar, linguist. Known to millions around the world as the author of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien spent most of his life teaching at the University of Oxford where he was a distinguished academic in the fields of Old and Middle English and Old Norse. His creativity, confined to his spare time, found its outlet in fantasy works, stories for children, poetry, illustration and invented languages and alphabets.
Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in Middle-earth, an imagined world with strangely familiar settings inhabited by ancient and extraordinary peoples. Through this secondary world Tolkien writes perceptively of universal human concerns – love and loss, courage and betrayal, humility and pride – giving his books a wide and enduring appeal.
Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist who painted for pleasure and relaxation. He excelled at landscapes and often drew inspiration from his own stories. He illustrated many scenes from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes drawing or painting as he was writing in order to visualize the imagined scene more clearly.
Tolkien was a professor at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford for almost forty years, teaching Old and Middle English, as well as Old Norse and Gothic. His illuminating lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem, Beowulf, illustrate his deep knowledge of ancient languages and at the same time provide new insights into peoples and legends from a remote past.
Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 to English parents. He came to England aged three and was brought up in and around Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1915 and saw active service in France during the First World War before being invalided home. After the war he pursued an academic career teaching Old and Middle English. Alongside his professional work, he invented his own languages and began to create what he called a mythology for England; it was this ‘legendarium’ that he would work on throughout his life. But his literary work did not start and end with Middle-earth, he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and fairy tales for adults. He died in 1973 and is buried in Oxford where he spent most of his adult life.
Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in Middle-earth, an imagined world with strangely familiar settings inhabited by ancient and extraordinary peoples. Through this secondary world Tolkien writes perceptively of universal human concerns – love and loss, courage and betrayal, humility and pride – giving his books a wide and enduring appeal.
Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist who painted for pleasure and relaxation. He excelled at landscapes and often drew inspiration from his own stories. He illustrated many scenes from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes drawing or painting as he was writing in order to visualize the imagined scene more clearly.
Tolkien was a professor at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford for almost forty years, teaching Old and Middle English, as well as Old Norse and Gothic. His illuminating lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem, Beowulf, illustrate his deep knowledge of ancient languages and at the same time provide new insights into peoples and legends from a remote past.
Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 to English parents. He came to England aged three and was brought up in and around Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1915 and saw active service in France during the First World War before being invalided home. After the war he pursued an academic career teaching Old and Middle English. Alongside his professional work, he invented his own languages and began to create what he called a mythology for England; it was this ‘legendarium’ that he would work on throughout his life. But his literary work did not start and end with Middle-earth, he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and fairy tales for adults. He died in 1973 and is buried in Oxford where he spent most of his adult life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 10, 2008
There are various collections of Tolkien's shorter works, sometimes published under the same title but with different stories. Look carefully at the contents of any work that you choose, but find at least "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son" and "Leaf by Niggle." I give each of these my highest rating, the former because of Tolkien's excellent commentary on the Old English word (and concept) "overmod" and the latter because it's one of the few largely allegorical works that Tolkien produced and is, at least to me, heartbreakingly autobiographical in its depiction of his hopes and fears for the eventual reception of his Middle-earth legendarium. Tolkien had managed to find a kind of mature peace by the time that he wrote his valedictory Smith of Wootton Major (also a highly recommended work), but that story, lovely as it is, lacks some of the autobiographical angst of "Leaf by Niggle," which can still move me to tears. (It helps, of course, to have read The Lord of the Rings, if not The Silmarillion as well, and to know something of Tolkien's life.)
March 3, 2023
A great collection of short stories and essays.
March 25, 2024
3,75⭐️
Very interesting texts by Tolkien on Faerie stories and other works.
Very interesting texts by Tolkien on Faerie stories and other works.
September 14, 2019
I'm sorry to say I did not enjoy this one much. It feels wrong to "review" Tolkien's work, but I guess this is more about how I felt reading it than about what it is worth. For me, the only palatable part was "Smith of Wootton Major" which is a nice fairy-tale which survived the time. The rest was barely readable.
The essay "On Fairy Stories" was archaic and dry. I also found it hard to relate to the Christian elements. "Leaf by Niggle" started as a charming fairy-tale, supposedly exemplifying the essay's ideas. It showed some interesting resemblance to The Hobbit and it probably relates to the artist's state at the time, struggling with Lord of the Rings. However, it then moves into some preaching afterlife which made the whole story stale. I'm not even sure what "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" is, maybe some scholarly piece of writing which needed publishing.
All in all, one story worth four stars and the rest being a struggle, two stars out of five.
The essay "On Fairy Stories" was archaic and dry. I also found it hard to relate to the Christian elements. "Leaf by Niggle" started as a charming fairy-tale, supposedly exemplifying the essay's ideas. It showed some interesting resemblance to The Hobbit and it probably relates to the artist's state at the time, struggling with Lord of the Rings. However, it then moves into some preaching afterlife which made the whole story stale. I'm not even sure what "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" is, maybe some scholarly piece of writing which needed publishing.
All in all, one story worth four stars and the rest being a struggle, two stars out of five.
May 1, 2020
Not his finest moment. Some glints of quality but not desperately engaging
December 24, 2025
This book is well written, but it simply wasn't for me.
It is broken down into four primary chapters; the first and last ones were essay structures, whilst the middle two are short fictional tales.
The Faerie essay was intriguing, but in all the wrong ways I feel. The content itself didn't engage me too much and I can admit, a lot of it I just became lost on. There are some amazing quotes that really stuck out to me, but they were in-between all the words that had little to no meaning to me. I think I would have to return to this essay and give it the attention it needs (and make a lot of notes), so I could appreciate it in the way it deserves.
However, the thing I found intriguing, was this essay you can read it in Tolkien's voice. This is going to say cheesy and insane all at once, but hang on. I think this was the first glimpse I have had at him not having a persona, so each line of writing came across as inexplicitly himself. Like I could almost imagine sitting in a lecture theatre or even sitting at a fireplace with him, listening to this essay like rant. I almost wish to know what sparked it off for him to write this, as part of me thinks someone said the phrase "Fantasy is for Children" and he said bet.
The content may have not been my cup of tea, but the way it is written was (if that makes any sense and doesn't contradict myself.) I just think he would have been a very interesting person to have a conversation with regarding this topic, as I truly believe this essay acts like he is battling a debate that he only knows about. Despite being very formal and well thought out, it does come across as a personal vendetta against someone.
The Beorhtnoth story did not come across in the same way and I did sit for forty pages with a question mark around my head. I fear even with context, this story still made no sense to me. I don't have much more to say about that, as I really did find this to be quite a hard read and unfortunately I felt as though I learned nothing from it.
It did give us the banger line of "I'm tired of talking. My tongue's resting." That did make me chuckle.
The fictional stories did hold a bit more weight for me and my enjoyment levels did go up. Tree and Leaf started strong with: "There was once a little man called Niggle, who had a long journey to make. He did not want to go, indeed the whole idea was distasteful to him; but he could not get out of it. He knew he would have to start some time, but he did not hurry with his preparations.
The story itself is really well done with the time it is given. I particularly enjoyed the section where Niggle works out the tree he is looking at is the one he has been painting, something really cathartic about seeing it be marvelled at instead of being perceived as a hinderance like the people in his village viewed his painting to be. The underlying take that this is the perception of people's values on art in our society was a great touch.
Wootton Major I enjoyed for the most part. I really liked this festival that takes place every 24 years for a minuscule amount of children and how the most unexpecting one was given a gift of a star. The journey he went on and the adventures we catch glimpses of were really intriguing, and I wish we almost had an extended version to see all these interactions properly play out. Alf being the king was such a Tolkien move and his character as a whole made me smile; however, I don't think I saw the relevance of it? I think I would have preferred a tale fully focused on a baker or tales of the more magical world - if it was a longer story maybe these storylines would have intertwined much better for me.
This collection of tales is enjoyable in lots of aspects. The essays are informative; the first one giving you a wider viewpoint of fantasy as a whole, and the other one is a poem and analysis about retrieving the body of Beorhtnoth. These two may be harder to grasp, but are some ways more rewarding than the actual fictional content.
Whilst the two fictional stories are just the tip of the ice burg of the sort of stories that lingered in Tolkien's head. The first one is about an awaited journey for an underappreciated painter, which is overall a take on how society see's art as unvaluable as it isn't seen as useful. Then the other tale is about a child who is almost given everything he could ever want with the power of a star he inherited, and how he chooses to let it go as a way to give someone else the same spectacular opportunity - I think.
Overall, I think it is worth picking up if you just want to experience more Tolkien writing as it is a very well written book even if the content is so diverse. I just didn't find the details to be as enjoyable as I hoped it to be.
It is broken down into four primary chapters; the first and last ones were essay structures, whilst the middle two are short fictional tales.
The Faerie essay was intriguing, but in all the wrong ways I feel. The content itself didn't engage me too much and I can admit, a lot of it I just became lost on. There are some amazing quotes that really stuck out to me, but they were in-between all the words that had little to no meaning to me. I think I would have to return to this essay and give it the attention it needs (and make a lot of notes), so I could appreciate it in the way it deserves.
However, the thing I found intriguing, was this essay you can read it in Tolkien's voice. This is going to say cheesy and insane all at once, but hang on. I think this was the first glimpse I have had at him not having a persona, so each line of writing came across as inexplicitly himself. Like I could almost imagine sitting in a lecture theatre or even sitting at a fireplace with him, listening to this essay like rant. I almost wish to know what sparked it off for him to write this, as part of me thinks someone said the phrase "Fantasy is for Children" and he said bet.
The content may have not been my cup of tea, but the way it is written was (if that makes any sense and doesn't contradict myself.) I just think he would have been a very interesting person to have a conversation with regarding this topic, as I truly believe this essay acts like he is battling a debate that he only knows about. Despite being very formal and well thought out, it does come across as a personal vendetta against someone.
The Beorhtnoth story did not come across in the same way and I did sit for forty pages with a question mark around my head. I fear even with context, this story still made no sense to me. I don't have much more to say about that, as I really did find this to be quite a hard read and unfortunately I felt as though I learned nothing from it.
It did give us the banger line of "I'm tired of talking. My tongue's resting." That did make me chuckle.
The fictional stories did hold a bit more weight for me and my enjoyment levels did go up. Tree and Leaf started strong with: "There was once a little man called Niggle, who had a long journey to make. He did not want to go, indeed the whole idea was distasteful to him; but he could not get out of it. He knew he would have to start some time, but he did not hurry with his preparations.
The story itself is really well done with the time it is given. I particularly enjoyed the section where Niggle works out the tree he is looking at is the one he has been painting, something really cathartic about seeing it be marvelled at instead of being perceived as a hinderance like the people in his village viewed his painting to be. The underlying take that this is the perception of people's values on art in our society was a great touch.
Wootton Major I enjoyed for the most part. I really liked this festival that takes place every 24 years for a minuscule amount of children and how the most unexpecting one was given a gift of a star. The journey he went on and the adventures we catch glimpses of were really intriguing, and I wish we almost had an extended version to see all these interactions properly play out. Alf being the king was such a Tolkien move and his character as a whole made me smile; however, I don't think I saw the relevance of it? I think I would have preferred a tale fully focused on a baker or tales of the more magical world - if it was a longer story maybe these storylines would have intertwined much better for me.
This collection of tales is enjoyable in lots of aspects. The essays are informative; the first one giving you a wider viewpoint of fantasy as a whole, and the other one is a poem and analysis about retrieving the body of Beorhtnoth. These two may be harder to grasp, but are some ways more rewarding than the actual fictional content.
Whilst the two fictional stories are just the tip of the ice burg of the sort of stories that lingered in Tolkien's head. The first one is about an awaited journey for an underappreciated painter, which is overall a take on how society see's art as unvaluable as it isn't seen as useful. Then the other tale is about a child who is almost given everything he could ever want with the power of a star he inherited, and how he chooses to let it go as a way to give someone else the same spectacular opportunity - I think.
Overall, I think it is worth picking up if you just want to experience more Tolkien writing as it is a very well written book even if the content is so diverse. I just didn't find the details to be as enjoyable as I hoped it to be.
September 1, 2024
On Fairy-Stories:
A fascinating essay detailing the meanings behind the terms “fairy” and “fairy-story”, which explores the history behind these tropes and themes. Tolkien outlines in great detail what he believes is the true definition of these terms, and what does and pointedly does not represent the true spirit of “Faërie”. The essay is beautifully written, as all of Tolkien’s writings are.
Leaf by Niggle:
A beautiful tale about a painter called Niggle. The story seems to highlight that death can come all of a sudden, and preparing for it isn’t always possible when getting caught up in life and its struggles/demands. Christian ideas are scattered throughout i.e. love thy neighbour, forgiveness etc, but the significant message at the end seems to emphasise the importance and relevance of art in our society, being equally necessary a part of our lives as industry or production.
Smith of Wootton Major:
A story largely about inheritance and the value in passing on skills and traditions to the next generation. The character of the cook must pass down his wisdom in cake-making to his apprentice much like how the smith must pass down his faery star to its next recipient so that the “bridge” between faery and the real world can continue to exist. The importance of inheritance and the passing down of skills is reinforced after smith, having just passed on his faery star, decides to prepare his son to take on his own place as a master smith.
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son:
Tolkien starts by setting the scene for the poem by explaining how Beorhtnoth son of the Duke of Essex in an act of “chivalry” allows the Danish invaders to cross a bridge unscathed in order to send his men to meet them in a more “sportful” battle. The alliterative poem written by Tolkien inspired by the events of a poem called “The Battle of Maldon” written in Old English then follows. Tolkien describes two men recovering the body of Beorhtnoth, slain in the battle previously mentioned. After the poem, an essay follows which outlines criticisms of leaders of men who order their subordinates to undertake unnecessary acts of valour and heroism, solely for the pursuit of glory, considering the victory of their soldiers against grave odds a victory of their own. A very interesting read overall, and more interesting considering the characters in this poem are based on real historical figures.
A fascinating essay detailing the meanings behind the terms “fairy” and “fairy-story”, which explores the history behind these tropes and themes. Tolkien outlines in great detail what he believes is the true definition of these terms, and what does and pointedly does not represent the true spirit of “Faërie”. The essay is beautifully written, as all of Tolkien’s writings are.
Leaf by Niggle:
A beautiful tale about a painter called Niggle. The story seems to highlight that death can come all of a sudden, and preparing for it isn’t always possible when getting caught up in life and its struggles/demands. Christian ideas are scattered throughout i.e. love thy neighbour, forgiveness etc, but the significant message at the end seems to emphasise the importance and relevance of art in our society, being equally necessary a part of our lives as industry or production.
Smith of Wootton Major:
A story largely about inheritance and the value in passing on skills and traditions to the next generation. The character of the cook must pass down his wisdom in cake-making to his apprentice much like how the smith must pass down his faery star to its next recipient so that the “bridge” between faery and the real world can continue to exist. The importance of inheritance and the passing down of skills is reinforced after smith, having just passed on his faery star, decides to prepare his son to take on his own place as a master smith.
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son:
Tolkien starts by setting the scene for the poem by explaining how Beorhtnoth son of the Duke of Essex in an act of “chivalry” allows the Danish invaders to cross a bridge unscathed in order to send his men to meet them in a more “sportful” battle. The alliterative poem written by Tolkien inspired by the events of a poem called “The Battle of Maldon” written in Old English then follows. Tolkien describes two men recovering the body of Beorhtnoth, slain in the battle previously mentioned. After the poem, an essay follows which outlines criticisms of leaders of men who order their subordinates to undertake unnecessary acts of valour and heroism, solely for the pursuit of glory, considering the victory of their soldiers against grave odds a victory of their own. A very interesting read overall, and more interesting considering the characters in this poem are based on real historical figures.
March 30, 2024
A wonderful short collection that showcases many different sides of Tolkien's work.
Firstly, the essay 'On fairy stories' remains one of the best defenses of fantasy ever put to paper and I get something new out of it every time. 'Leaf by Niggle' felt very personal to Tolkien, as it was an allegory (no, really) of Catholic purgatory and the afterlife that reflected much of Tolkien's own insecurities. 'Smith of Wootton Major' starts as a charming fairytale, but the fairies in question embody a sort of enchantment and gravitas that is unique to Tolkien. I hate to say it though, but I'm not a big fan of Pauline Baynes illustrations though. As charming as they are, I feel like they take away from the enchanting magic of the story. Lastly, 'The Homecoming of Beorthnoth' is a short play based on a fragment of poetry detailing a Viking invasion and feels like both an exercise in historical writing and a reflection on heroism and chivalry.
So yeah, there's a lot of variety in a short page count. Highly recommend!
Firstly, the essay 'On fairy stories' remains one of the best defenses of fantasy ever put to paper and I get something new out of it every time. 'Leaf by Niggle' felt very personal to Tolkien, as it was an allegory (no, really) of Catholic purgatory and the afterlife that reflected much of Tolkien's own insecurities. 'Smith of Wootton Major' starts as a charming fairytale, but the fairies in question embody a sort of enchantment and gravitas that is unique to Tolkien. I hate to say it though, but I'm not a big fan of Pauline Baynes illustrations though. As charming as they are, I feel like they take away from the enchanting magic of the story. Lastly, 'The Homecoming of Beorthnoth' is a short play based on a fragment of poetry detailing a Viking invasion and feels like both an exercise in historical writing and a reflection on heroism and chivalry.
So yeah, there's a lot of variety in a short page count. Highly recommend!
June 25, 2024
I was intrigued when I found this obscure Tolkien book browsing a secondhand bookshop, and it was (of course) worth picking up. It’s a combination of tales and essays - the tales are good, and the essays offer genre fans food for thought and some insight into the author’s appreciation for mythic and fantastical and his own construction of fantasy. The opening essay is a little pedantic, but the tale of Leaf by Niggle is a thoughtful social allegory. The wonderful illustrations for Smith Of Wootton Major adorn a rich tale that straddles our world and the Other, and The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth looks at heroism, the commemoration of deeds in verse, and the transformations between history and myth.
January 21, 2024
A great read. Especially for anyone looking for some of Tolkien's writing outside of the usual Middle-Earth fair.
The first essay, "On Fairy Tales", gives a very interesting insight into Tolkien's view on the genre. Unfortunately there's also some very Tolkien-esque meandering here as well that makes some of the points he tries to make somewhat opaque on the first reading.
Fortunately the other stories as well as the final series of essays (The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth serirs) are very well paced slices of both fantasy and history, and stand in good stead among the best works of this great writer.
The first essay, "On Fairy Tales", gives a very interesting insight into Tolkien's view on the genre. Unfortunately there's also some very Tolkien-esque meandering here as well that makes some of the points he tries to make somewhat opaque on the first reading.
Fortunately the other stories as well as the final series of essays (The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth serirs) are very well paced slices of both fantasy and history, and stand in good stead among the best works of this great writer.
August 6, 2015
"Sognare non sempre è vanità.non sempre invano vorremmo aver ragione di un dolore vero..."
raccoglie fiabe,una poesia,un saggio e un racconto epico. Appare subito chiaro il perchè questo libro non venga più stampato e distribuito. Racchiude poca narrativa a fronte di molti approfondimenti sulla fiaba,il mito ecc ecc. Un libro più di studio che di piacere (non che le 2 cose non possano coincidere) che racchiude in se un'altro grave difetto editoriale. 2 dei racconti che propone sono oggi stampati singolarmente e arricchiti da apparati che qui mancano (prefazioni,commenti,note al testo ecc ecc). Quel poco che c'è (in termini di quantità) merita comunque la più grande considerazione e attenzione.
"Sulle fiabe": 100 pagine dedicate alla fiaba, dove T. prova a dare una risposta personale che ripercorra le origini e spieghi le connessioni con il mito, con il mondo dei bambini, con il significato del termine "fantasia" e con ciò che la favola e la fantasia portano per lui (Feeria intesa come subcreazione e fantasia intesa come massima capacità umana) e per gli altri (la favola intesa come genere relegato al mondo infantile e scartato dal mondo moderno/adulto, a cui si affibbiano aggettivi intesi nel loro senso negativo quali ristoro,evasione e consolazione). La parte sicuramente più rivelatrice del suo pensiero e interessante dell'intero libro. La parte più forte di queste 100 pagine resta comunque, per me, la definizione di scrittore di favole (che io allargherei anche a quello fantasy,fantascientifico ecc ecc) come subcreatore di una seconda dimensione dove il lettore può entrare e credere. Inutile nascondersi dietro artifici come il sogno, perchè un "universo di qualità" non ne ha bisogno per apparire vero agli occhi del lettore. Più il submondo è coerente,organico e risulta vero agli occhi del fruitore più sarà una creazione di qualità. Ma quando l'incredulità del "è vero? non è possibile" si manifesta allora tutto il castello di carte crolla e si ritorna nel mondo reale, a guardare con occhi diffidenti dall'esterno un qualcosa che ha, purtroppo, qualche pecca e crepa. Quando la magia si spezza vuol dire che qualcosa nel momento della creazione è andato storto. Una piccola lezione che ogni lettore e autore dovrebbe tenere bene a mente.
", di Niggle": Favola su un piccolo pittore che abita in una non precisata campagna con vicino un uomo zoppo e sua moglie. Niggle e il suo vicino sono molto particolareggiati, veniamo a sapere infatti che Parish (questo il nome del vicino) mal sopporta il pittore e la sua arte, mentre Niggle, scontroso e pigro, pur non avendo un gran talento vorrebbe dedicarsi totalmente al suo quadro, ma viene sempre interrotto da impegni e da richieste altrui e, visto il suo gran cuore, non riesce a dire di no a queste scocciature. La storia si dipana attraverso momenti quasi onirici, visto che raramente si ha la certezza di ciò che sta accadendo nelle pagine e il tutto viene lasciato (come sempre fa T.) all'immaginazione del lettore. Il finale lascia aperti molti interrogativi, e anche se non è da T. usare la metafora personalmente ho visto un racconto su un pazzo in un manicomio chiamato Niggle. Opzione che mi stuzzica non poco perchè non da T. appunto.
"Mitopoeia": Poesia che immagina un fittizio dialogo tra un Filomito (amante del mito) e un Misomito (detrattore del mito), composta come risposta alle dichiarazioni di Lewis secondo cui i miti sono solo "menzogne inutili, sebbene sospirati con tremor d'argento". Poco da dire qui, gli spunti sono più o meno gli stessi del paragrafo "sulle fiabe" anche se l'accento posto sul mito come conoscenza primaria e "l'invettiva" contro l'uomo industrializzato che ha dimenticato il passato e si è imbarbarito meritano il prezzo del biglietto. Personalmente preferisco comunque il Tolkien filologo,narratore e saggista piuttosto che poeta.
Sugli ultimi 2 racconti "Il fabbro di Wootton Major" e "il ritorno di beorhtnoth figlio di beorhthelm" è inutile scrivere, ci sono già libri (molto più completi) appositamente fatti per questo scopo.
raccoglie fiabe,una poesia,un saggio e un racconto epico. Appare subito chiaro il perchè questo libro non venga più stampato e distribuito. Racchiude poca narrativa a fronte di molti approfondimenti sulla fiaba,il mito ecc ecc. Un libro più di studio che di piacere (non che le 2 cose non possano coincidere) che racchiude in se un'altro grave difetto editoriale. 2 dei racconti che propone sono oggi stampati singolarmente e arricchiti da apparati che qui mancano (prefazioni,commenti,note al testo ecc ecc). Quel poco che c'è (in termini di quantità) merita comunque la più grande considerazione e attenzione.
"Sulle fiabe": 100 pagine dedicate alla fiaba, dove T. prova a dare una risposta personale che ripercorra le origini e spieghi le connessioni con il mito, con il mondo dei bambini, con il significato del termine "fantasia" e con ciò che la favola e la fantasia portano per lui (Feeria intesa come subcreazione e fantasia intesa come massima capacità umana) e per gli altri (la favola intesa come genere relegato al mondo infantile e scartato dal mondo moderno/adulto, a cui si affibbiano aggettivi intesi nel loro senso negativo quali ristoro,evasione e consolazione). La parte sicuramente più rivelatrice del suo pensiero e interessante dell'intero libro. La parte più forte di queste 100 pagine resta comunque, per me, la definizione di scrittore di favole (che io allargherei anche a quello fantasy,fantascientifico ecc ecc) come subcreatore di una seconda dimensione dove il lettore può entrare e credere. Inutile nascondersi dietro artifici come il sogno, perchè un "universo di qualità" non ne ha bisogno per apparire vero agli occhi del lettore. Più il submondo è coerente,organico e risulta vero agli occhi del fruitore più sarà una creazione di qualità. Ma quando l'incredulità del "è vero? non è possibile" si manifesta allora tutto il castello di carte crolla e si ritorna nel mondo reale, a guardare con occhi diffidenti dall'esterno un qualcosa che ha, purtroppo, qualche pecca e crepa. Quando la magia si spezza vuol dire che qualcosa nel momento della creazione è andato storto. Una piccola lezione che ogni lettore e autore dovrebbe tenere bene a mente.
", di Niggle": Favola su un piccolo pittore che abita in una non precisata campagna con vicino un uomo zoppo e sua moglie. Niggle e il suo vicino sono molto particolareggiati, veniamo a sapere infatti che Parish (questo il nome del vicino) mal sopporta il pittore e la sua arte, mentre Niggle, scontroso e pigro, pur non avendo un gran talento vorrebbe dedicarsi totalmente al suo quadro, ma viene sempre interrotto da impegni e da richieste altrui e, visto il suo gran cuore, non riesce a dire di no a queste scocciature. La storia si dipana attraverso momenti quasi onirici, visto che raramente si ha la certezza di ciò che sta accadendo nelle pagine e il tutto viene lasciato (come sempre fa T.) all'immaginazione del lettore. Il finale lascia aperti molti interrogativi, e anche se non è da T. usare la metafora personalmente ho visto un racconto su un pazzo in un manicomio chiamato Niggle. Opzione che mi stuzzica non poco perchè non da T. appunto.
"Mitopoeia": Poesia che immagina un fittizio dialogo tra un Filomito (amante del mito) e un Misomito (detrattore del mito), composta come risposta alle dichiarazioni di Lewis secondo cui i miti sono solo "menzogne inutili, sebbene sospirati con tremor d'argento". Poco da dire qui, gli spunti sono più o meno gli stessi del paragrafo "sulle fiabe" anche se l'accento posto sul mito come conoscenza primaria e "l'invettiva" contro l'uomo industrializzato che ha dimenticato il passato e si è imbarbarito meritano il prezzo del biglietto. Personalmente preferisco comunque il Tolkien filologo,narratore e saggista piuttosto che poeta.
Sugli ultimi 2 racconti "Il fabbro di Wootton Major" e "il ritorno di beorhtnoth figlio di beorhthelm" è inutile scrivere, ci sono già libri (molto più completi) appositamente fatti per questo scopo.
January 8, 2017
This collection is a great companion to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth saga. The book offers a valuable glimpse into the author's storytelling philosophy, and provides details on the context surrounding some of Tolkien's most beloved work. I recommend this edition to anyone who is a fan of The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings.
The book is split into three sections of varying relation and intrigue to the Tolkien fan. "Tree and Leaf" includes the essay "On Fairy Stories" and the delightful short story "Leaf by Niggle." This is followed by the more fantastical short story "Smith of Wootton Major" and finally the historical fiction of "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth." All sections have merit, with each exploring a unique facet of Tolkien's ethos. However, my favourite piece would have to be "Tree and Leaf", particularly "Leaf by Niggle." The story concerns a painter working on his masterwork; an allegorical presentation of how Tolkien saw himself as an artist. Rather than presenting a genius at work, the story portrays the painter as an insecure procrastinator who doubts the validity of his artistic contribution. It is interesting to note that this story followed The Hobbit, likely as the germ of The Lord of The Rings was taking shape in Tolkien's mind. Here we see a normal person wrestling with a grand idea, and exhibiting a lot of trouble in making it work. I read this at a time when I was beginning to explore my creative potential, and found myself struggling with the same things as Tolkien. It was a warm reminder that fine art takes time, and that even the masters are apt to struggle. It's just a wonderful and simple little story, and reads very much like The Hobbit.
The other entries in this collection are solid, and I found myself enjoying them very much. I was a little less enthused about "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" and I found myself wondering about its inclusion in the book. The other sections elaborate on Tolkien's belief in fairy stories and fantasy, whereas "Beorhtnoth" was an adapted poem about an English battle. I suppose this could be of interest for its anti-war sentiment and exploration into battle literature, but it was rather weak in comparison to the other stories. Perhaps this is another facet of Tolkein to delve into, but it appeared out of place here.
The book is split into three sections of varying relation and intrigue to the Tolkien fan. "Tree and Leaf" includes the essay "On Fairy Stories" and the delightful short story "Leaf by Niggle." This is followed by the more fantastical short story "Smith of Wootton Major" and finally the historical fiction of "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth." All sections have merit, with each exploring a unique facet of Tolkien's ethos. However, my favourite piece would have to be "Tree and Leaf", particularly "Leaf by Niggle." The story concerns a painter working on his masterwork; an allegorical presentation of how Tolkien saw himself as an artist. Rather than presenting a genius at work, the story portrays the painter as an insecure procrastinator who doubts the validity of his artistic contribution. It is interesting to note that this story followed The Hobbit, likely as the germ of The Lord of The Rings was taking shape in Tolkien's mind. Here we see a normal person wrestling with a grand idea, and exhibiting a lot of trouble in making it work. I read this at a time when I was beginning to explore my creative potential, and found myself struggling with the same things as Tolkien. It was a warm reminder that fine art takes time, and that even the masters are apt to struggle. It's just a wonderful and simple little story, and reads very much like The Hobbit.
The other entries in this collection are solid, and I found myself enjoying them very much. I was a little less enthused about "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" and I found myself wondering about its inclusion in the book. The other sections elaborate on Tolkien's belief in fairy stories and fantasy, whereas "Beorhtnoth" was an adapted poem about an English battle. I suppose this could be of interest for its anti-war sentiment and exploration into battle literature, but it was rather weak in comparison to the other stories. Perhaps this is another facet of Tolkein to delve into, but it appeared out of place here.
April 12, 2018
Albero e Foglia è facile da ignorare, non essendo direttamente correlato con la Terra di Mezzo.
Eppure il suo saggio sulle Fiabe, saggio e non racconto, è un vero manifesto delle intenzioni che poi avrebbe messo in pratica nelle opere famose.
Inoltre il racconto breve " Fabbro di Wootton Major " è una delle cose più belle che Tolkien abbia scritto, in una certa misura aprendo una finestra su un altro universo narrativo che non è quello della Terra di Mezzo.
Racconto e universo alternativo che, penso sicuramente, ha influenzato l'immaginario di Neil Gaiman.
Eppure il suo saggio sulle Fiabe, saggio e non racconto, è un vero manifesto delle intenzioni che poi avrebbe messo in pratica nelle opere famose.
Inoltre il racconto breve " Fabbro di Wootton Major " è una delle cose più belle che Tolkien abbia scritto, in una certa misura aprendo una finestra su un altro universo narrativo che non è quello della Terra di Mezzo.
Racconto e universo alternativo che, penso sicuramente, ha influenzato l'immaginario di Neil Gaiman.
July 3, 2020
""Foglia" di Niggle" e "Il fabbro di Wootton Major" sono due esempi straordinari dell'arte Tolkeniana (in questo caso con uno stile favolistico sui temi più simili alla tradizione fairy della mitologia nordica). Il saggio è di notevole fattura, anche se fuori dalla mia area di competenza. Così come The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son, che onestamente tratta di eventi dei quali ho solo un vago sentore, anche se il poema è di notevole divertimento (anche se la traduzione Bompiani sembra non si curi dell'allitterazione nel poema).
September 29, 2018
A mixed bag - but a solid one!
(Longer review to follow)
(Longer review to follow)
October 28, 2021
Un’interessante riflessione sul ruolo delle fiabe nella letteratura e nella vita adulta. Tolkien è un maestro e dimostra come padroneggiare il genere senza cadere in banalità e semplicismi.
June 25, 2025
This book took me 2 attempts to read; lured in by Tolkien, I didn't realise how essay heavy this book was gonna be.
I had a false memory that this book was structured as essay, story, essay; but in reality the first section was an essay regarding the status of faerie as a genre and it's inception, followed by a short story that delightfully plays off the themes of the essay, using its characters and situations as metaphors for the real world context of the perception of faerie. The second part of this book is a story about the inhabitants of a woodland village and the faerie realm in which the smith finds himself frequenting; positively charming, and for a story written in the 30s, I was left pleasantly satisfied by each turn. The final part of the book is a short historical essay, with a bomb-ass poem in the middle. This third section is the shortest in the book, and is a breezy good time to wrap up with. The poem reads between 2 characters and is an imagination of human interaction in the time period its surrounding essay is exploring.
Definitely a book to keep on the shelf, I can see myself referencing back to it in the future.
I had a false memory that this book was structured as essay, story, essay; but in reality the first section was an essay regarding the status of faerie as a genre and it's inception, followed by a short story that delightfully plays off the themes of the essay, using its characters and situations as metaphors for the real world context of the perception of faerie. The second part of this book is a story about the inhabitants of a woodland village and the faerie realm in which the smith finds himself frequenting; positively charming, and for a story written in the 30s, I was left pleasantly satisfied by each turn. The final part of the book is a short historical essay, with a bomb-ass poem in the middle. This third section is the shortest in the book, and is a breezy good time to wrap up with. The poem reads between 2 characters and is an imagination of human interaction in the time period its surrounding essay is exploring.
Definitely a book to keep on the shelf, I can see myself referencing back to it in the future.
July 12, 2022
This is an odd little collection. The first 80 pages are a lecture/essay on fairy stories. That is followed by an early short story that demonstrates Tolkien’s environmental awareness. Smith of Wootton Major is another short story that is clearly intended as an exercise in writing fairytales/stories. The design of it can clearly be linked to some of Tolkien’s thoughts in the opening lecture. The illustrations by Pauline Baynes are wonderful!
The concluding poem feels out of place to me and doesn’t do much for me.
The concluding poem feels out of place to me and doesn’t do much for me.
May 2, 2025
What a gorgeous, gorgeous collection. Tolkien showing once again that he is the master of all things whimsy; starting with an essay exploring fairy stories and ending with an epic set at a similar point to Beowulf. I can find little fault in this. Both short stories in between were beautiful explorations of the fairy tale genre and each had their own merits. ‘Smith of Wootton Major’ was a true highlight and is now one of my favourite short stories I’ve ever read. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
…
“That right has not decayed:
we make still by the law in which we're made.”
4.5/5
…
“That right has not decayed:
we make still by the law in which we're made.”
4.5/5
February 9, 2022
I found the essay "Tree and Leaf" unreadable, but the two fairy stories, "Leaf by Niggle" (which has a Kafkaesque underpinning) and "Smith of Wootton Major" were enjoyable enough, if a little long-winded. The Beorhtnoth translation was quite haunting.
January 1, 2022
I'd give it 5+ stars for the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth alone. A fantastic epic Saxon poem and rightly compared with romantic death of Beowulf and even the chivalry of Gawaine.
March 16, 2022
I loved Tree and Leaf and Smith of Wootton Major, but Beorhtnoth was less impressive - the poem itself is interesting, as are Tolkien’s comments, but his poem strikes me as a little awkward.
October 8, 2023
Bought/Read for the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth since I didn't have it anywhere else. It's inspired by the ancient English poem, 'The Battle of Maldon,' of which we have a fragment.
October 30, 2024
Tolkien's mind is fascinating
January 9, 2021
I have separately read and reviewed “Smith of Wootton Major”. “Tree and Leaf”, included in this collection, comprises two parts, “On Fairy Stories” (an essay) and “Leaf by Niggle” (a story), the latter I have also separately read and reviewed. “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son” is the final part.
“On Fairy Stories” is the transcription of a lecture first delivered in the 1930s, and subsequently edited in the 40s and 60s. It is a rambling exploration of the nature of fairy stories, and of fantasy, and their proper place in literature, together with a cornucopia of observations on how the world has changed for the worse. There are gems in there, but Tolkien must have been an infuriating lecturer as his argument is all over the place. He has a good few withering put downs for critics and dramatists along the way. It’s an interesting read, but not really illuminating.
“Homecoming” is a very short scholarly piece but it is an absolute gem, a required read for anyone interested in heroic fantasy, as this piece absolutely nails the nature of heroism, vastly better than anything else I have ever read. These few pages justify by themselves the score given to this book. This short study concerns a poem from the 10th century, and compares it to the Arthur cycle and to Beowulf. The poem records the story of a disastrous battle between Saxons and Danes, lost by the former because their lord decided to give the Danes a fair chance. Part of the piece is an extract of a modern-sounding play inspired by a section of the poem, where two retainers search the battlefield at night to retrieve their master’s mangled body, and all the while they discuss their duty. This bit is horrifyingly atmospheric. Tolkien distinguishes heroism from chivalry. Heroism is “uttermost endurance in the service of indomitable will” and heroism is at its purest when expressed by a subordinate in service of a higher authority. In the poem, this is the soldiery, loyally standing by the lord’s will, when the lord has made a chivalrous blunder. In this instance, allowing the Danes to cross a river and form up, so as to have a fair fight. Chivalry is described as going beyond what is necessary in order to meet an ideal, which honours the chivalrous and (where present) the superiors of the chivalrous one, by bestowing glory on them for their act. But, as happened here, the chivalrous act was an excess of pride that killed the lord, unnecessarily sacrificed his subordinates towards whom he had a duty of care, and jeopardised the safety of the realm. Tolkien explains that the poem is actually critical of the chivalrous act rather than supportive of it, as it became a sin of pride in Saxon culture. But the lord’s subordinates were not critical of the obvious blunder. They supported the chivalry steadfastly. They showed heroism in the purest sense, standing firm in the face of certain disaster, because that was their duty to their lord. Through Beowulf and Arthur, Tolkien shows that chivalry, the search for hopeless glory, went contrary to Saxon heroism, which was purposeful. Society was built on duty and duty had to be immutable to work. Hence heroism was a requisite of Saxon society: duty bound to the last, but free of pride. This is very powerful and resonates in so many real world examples of heroism since. It’s not seeking glory, it’s getting on with the job whatever the cost, resolute but also resigned. A lot of fantasy writers get this wrong.
Definitely a resource to consult time and again, to get the tone right.
“On Fairy Stories” is the transcription of a lecture first delivered in the 1930s, and subsequently edited in the 40s and 60s. It is a rambling exploration of the nature of fairy stories, and of fantasy, and their proper place in literature, together with a cornucopia of observations on how the world has changed for the worse. There are gems in there, but Tolkien must have been an infuriating lecturer as his argument is all over the place. He has a good few withering put downs for critics and dramatists along the way. It’s an interesting read, but not really illuminating.
“Homecoming” is a very short scholarly piece but it is an absolute gem, a required read for anyone interested in heroic fantasy, as this piece absolutely nails the nature of heroism, vastly better than anything else I have ever read. These few pages justify by themselves the score given to this book. This short study concerns a poem from the 10th century, and compares it to the Arthur cycle and to Beowulf. The poem records the story of a disastrous battle between Saxons and Danes, lost by the former because their lord decided to give the Danes a fair chance. Part of the piece is an extract of a modern-sounding play inspired by a section of the poem, where two retainers search the battlefield at night to retrieve their master’s mangled body, and all the while they discuss their duty. This bit is horrifyingly atmospheric. Tolkien distinguishes heroism from chivalry. Heroism is “uttermost endurance in the service of indomitable will” and heroism is at its purest when expressed by a subordinate in service of a higher authority. In the poem, this is the soldiery, loyally standing by the lord’s will, when the lord has made a chivalrous blunder. In this instance, allowing the Danes to cross a river and form up, so as to have a fair fight. Chivalry is described as going beyond what is necessary in order to meet an ideal, which honours the chivalrous and (where present) the superiors of the chivalrous one, by bestowing glory on them for their act. But, as happened here, the chivalrous act was an excess of pride that killed the lord, unnecessarily sacrificed his subordinates towards whom he had a duty of care, and jeopardised the safety of the realm. Tolkien explains that the poem is actually critical of the chivalrous act rather than supportive of it, as it became a sin of pride in Saxon culture. But the lord’s subordinates were not critical of the obvious blunder. They supported the chivalry steadfastly. They showed heroism in the purest sense, standing firm in the face of certain disaster, because that was their duty to their lord. Through Beowulf and Arthur, Tolkien shows that chivalry, the search for hopeless glory, went contrary to Saxon heroism, which was purposeful. Society was built on duty and duty had to be immutable to work. Hence heroism was a requisite of Saxon society: duty bound to the last, but free of pride. This is very powerful and resonates in so many real world examples of heroism since. It’s not seeking glory, it’s getting on with the job whatever the cost, resolute but also resigned. A lot of fantasy writers get this wrong.
Definitely a resource to consult time and again, to get the tone right.
April 27, 2013
Tree and Leaf is a collection of short stories, essays and a play inspired by the Old English poem "The Battle of Maldon."
Tree and Leaf is itself split into two parts, the essay "On Fairy Stories" and the short story "Leaf by Niggle." On Fairy Stories deals primarily with the reclamation of fairy stories as either fanciful fluff that can only be enjoyed by children or literary pieces that can only be studied by academics. It's an intriguing essay, peppered liberally with Tolkien's bone-dry wit and occasionally touching on techniques and whims which would later find their way into his best known work. It is heavy going however, if you couldn't make it through the Silmarilion then you're unlikely to make much headway here either, and it's probably of more interest to students of the etymology and anthropology of myth than to fans of the Lord of the Rings. And this is completely discounting the final paragraph of the essay, in which Tokien feels fit to have a bit of a pro-Christian rant, reminding us all that man will be redeemed by Christ the saviour when he reaches the kingdom of Heaven, that the Bible was directly translated from the word of God and that even if the Bible seems like a fairy story, its definitely real.
Leaf by Niggle is a curious little tale, dark and almost dystopian in tone. There's something undeniably weird about it, when painter Niggle finds himself first working as a slave in an authoritarian workhouse run by mysterious voices and later when he is released to live in a fantastical version of one of his own paintings. It's a great read.
Smith of Wooton Major is without a doubt one of the most effortlessly charming and wonderful stories I've read in a long time. It's very similar to Farmer Giles of Ham, both stories revolve around the preparation of a cake for a feast, but much more mystical and really quite stunning. The illustrations by Pauline Baynes, probably best known for her work on the Chronicles of Narnia, set the whole thing off. Truly lovely.
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth is also divided up, two essays entitled "The Death of Beorhtnoth" and "Ofermod" sandwich the play itself, which takes the form of an alliterative poem. It's a slightly disappointing affair, the Ofermod essay is particularly dreary and having read neither Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which it referenced heavily, I wasn't able to make out much of it. The Death of Beorhtnoth is more interesting, as it gives a background to the play at hand, but the play itself is destined to be unsatisfying as its based on a poem of which only 325 lines remain extant.
In short, two charming stories coupled with two slightly less inspiring essays.
Tree and Leaf is itself split into two parts, the essay "On Fairy Stories" and the short story "Leaf by Niggle." On Fairy Stories deals primarily with the reclamation of fairy stories as either fanciful fluff that can only be enjoyed by children or literary pieces that can only be studied by academics. It's an intriguing essay, peppered liberally with Tolkien's bone-dry wit and occasionally touching on techniques and whims which would later find their way into his best known work. It is heavy going however, if you couldn't make it through the Silmarilion then you're unlikely to make much headway here either, and it's probably of more interest to students of the etymology and anthropology of myth than to fans of the Lord of the Rings. And this is completely discounting the final paragraph of the essay, in which Tokien feels fit to have a bit of a pro-Christian rant, reminding us all that man will be redeemed by Christ the saviour when he reaches the kingdom of Heaven, that the Bible was directly translated from the word of God and that even if the Bible seems like a fairy story, its definitely real.
Leaf by Niggle is a curious little tale, dark and almost dystopian in tone. There's something undeniably weird about it, when painter Niggle finds himself first working as a slave in an authoritarian workhouse run by mysterious voices and later when he is released to live in a fantastical version of one of his own paintings. It's a great read.
Smith of Wooton Major is without a doubt one of the most effortlessly charming and wonderful stories I've read in a long time. It's very similar to Farmer Giles of Ham, both stories revolve around the preparation of a cake for a feast, but much more mystical and really quite stunning. The illustrations by Pauline Baynes, probably best known for her work on the Chronicles of Narnia, set the whole thing off. Truly lovely.
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth is also divided up, two essays entitled "The Death of Beorhtnoth" and "Ofermod" sandwich the play itself, which takes the form of an alliterative poem. It's a slightly disappointing affair, the Ofermod essay is particularly dreary and having read neither Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which it referenced heavily, I wasn't able to make out much of it. The Death of Beorhtnoth is more interesting, as it gives a background to the play at hand, but the play itself is destined to be unsatisfying as its based on a poem of which only 325 lines remain extant.
In short, two charming stories coupled with two slightly less inspiring essays.
March 4, 2016
A book with four elements to it. Beginning with an essay on fairy stories, before moving onto Tree and Leaf, then, Smith of Wootton Major and, finally, The Homecoming Of Beorthnoth.
I have to say I had difficulty in rating this book as a whole as for me, as I'm sure it will be for many others, there were aspects that I enjoyed more than others.
Perhaps more for those wishing to study the works of Tolkien, for those wishing to understand his views on the use of imagination in literature - after all in his Introductory Note he advises whilst 'they ('On Fairy-Stories' and 'Tree and Leaf') may still be found interesting, especially by those to whom The Lord of the Rings has given pleasure'. For myself personally whilst, yes, not altogether uninteresting, ultimately I found the essay On Fairy-Stories too dry.
Written in the same period (1938/9) and much more to my liking is the short story, Tree and Leaf. Also known as Leaf by Niggle - Niggle being an artist who, living in a society that holds art in scant regard, begins a painting of a huge tree starting with one single leaf - I believe this might be an allegory of Tolkien's life ... unless of course I'm reading into something that isn't really there which is quite possible given that I think this is one of those stories that can be read on so many different levels.
A magical little read despite its lack of what I think of as traditional fairy tale rhetoric. I was surprised to discover that Smith of Wootton Major was by far my favourite aspect of the book.
Charming and yet really quite dark and profound. A fable that like Tree and Leaf I feel can be read on more than one level. I adored the fairies of Faery. Relished the 'Feast of Good Children', a festival that, only held every twenty four years, sees the baking of the 'Great Cake'.
What I can only describe as a poem come short play written as a dialogue between two characters. Feeling as I do that verse is better read to you rather than by you, it's hardly surprising that The Homecoming Of Beorhtnoth was my least favourite aspect of the book.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
I have to say I had difficulty in rating this book as a whole as for me, as I'm sure it will be for many others, there were aspects that I enjoyed more than others.
Perhaps more for those wishing to study the works of Tolkien, for those wishing to understand his views on the use of imagination in literature - after all in his Introductory Note he advises whilst 'they ('On Fairy-Stories' and 'Tree and Leaf') may still be found interesting, especially by those to whom The Lord of the Rings has given pleasure'. For myself personally whilst, yes, not altogether uninteresting, ultimately I found the essay On Fairy-Stories too dry.
Written in the same period (1938/9) and much more to my liking is the short story, Tree and Leaf. Also known as Leaf by Niggle - Niggle being an artist who, living in a society that holds art in scant regard, begins a painting of a huge tree starting with one single leaf - I believe this might be an allegory of Tolkien's life ... unless of course I'm reading into something that isn't really there which is quite possible given that I think this is one of those stories that can be read on so many different levels.
A magical little read despite its lack of what I think of as traditional fairy tale rhetoric. I was surprised to discover that Smith of Wootton Major was by far my favourite aspect of the book.
Charming and yet really quite dark and profound. A fable that like Tree and Leaf I feel can be read on more than one level. I adored the fairies of Faery. Relished the 'Feast of Good Children', a festival that, only held every twenty four years, sees the baking of the 'Great Cake'.
What I can only describe as a poem come short play written as a dialogue between two characters. Feeling as I do that verse is better read to you rather than by you, it's hardly surprising that The Homecoming Of Beorhtnoth was my least favourite aspect of the book.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
October 17, 2015
ON FAIRY-STORIES
One of the best essays I've ever read!
LEAF BY NIGGLE
Just like any of us, Niggle was occupied with all sorta things throughout his life - mostly helping others out, that he didn't have time to do what he really wanted to do: finish his painting; and prepare what's awaiting us all: 'the great trip'.
When he catches a chill helping his neighbour once again, his time has come sooner than expected and ended up in some kind of institution where 'voices' decide about the continuation of his journey.
Because of his selflessness, he gets 'a little gentle treatment' and gets sent to a new country: the true realization of his painting. He gets reunited with his old neighbour Parish and side by side they complete his work.
Finally, Niggle journeys farther and deeper into the Forest, and beyond into the great mountains that he only faintly glimpsed in his painting, leaving Niggle's Parish behind...
Life, death, purgatory and paradise. A truly wonderful story!
SMITH OF WOOTTON MAJOR.
Every twenty-four years in the village of Wootton Major a special edition of the The Feast of Good Children was held. This was a very special occasion and to celebrate it a Great Cake was prepared, to feed the twenty-four children who were invited. The cake was very sweet and rich and entirely covered in sugar icing. But inside there were some very strange ingredients and whoever swallowed one of them would gain the gift of entry into the Land of Faery...
A great story about all what's good and bad in one's heart.
THE HOMECOMING OF BEORHTNOTH
A short historical story inspired on the poem 'Battle of Maldon'.
Consists of 3 parts:
- The death of Beorhtnoth ~ essay concerning the battle.
- The homecoming ~ the actual work
- Ofermod ~ another essay discussing the old English word
One of the best essays I've ever read!
LEAF BY NIGGLE
Just like any of us, Niggle was occupied with all sorta things throughout his life - mostly helping others out, that he didn't have time to do what he really wanted to do: finish his painting; and prepare what's awaiting us all: 'the great trip'.
When he catches a chill helping his neighbour once again, his time has come sooner than expected and ended up in some kind of institution where 'voices' decide about the continuation of his journey.
Because of his selflessness, he gets 'a little gentle treatment' and gets sent to a new country: the true realization of his painting. He gets reunited with his old neighbour Parish and side by side they complete his work.
Finally, Niggle journeys farther and deeper into the Forest, and beyond into the great mountains that he only faintly glimpsed in his painting, leaving Niggle's Parish behind...
Life, death, purgatory and paradise. A truly wonderful story!
SMITH OF WOOTTON MAJOR.
Every twenty-four years in the village of Wootton Major a special edition of the The Feast of Good Children was held. This was a very special occasion and to celebrate it a Great Cake was prepared, to feed the twenty-four children who were invited. The cake was very sweet and rich and entirely covered in sugar icing. But inside there were some very strange ingredients and whoever swallowed one of them would gain the gift of entry into the Land of Faery...
A great story about all what's good and bad in one's heart.
THE HOMECOMING OF BEORHTNOTH
A short historical story inspired on the poem 'Battle of Maldon'.
Consists of 3 parts:
- The death of Beorhtnoth ~ essay concerning the battle.
- The homecoming ~ the actual work
- Ofermod ~ another essay discussing the old English word
September 25, 2019
“One of its sources [Leaf by Niggle] was a great-limbed poplar tree that I could see even lying in bed. It was suddenly lopped and mutilated by its owner, I do not know why. It is cut down now, a less barbarous punishment for any crimes it might have been accused of, such as being large and alive."
"If [fairy-stories] awakened desire, satisfying it while often whetting it unbearably, they succeeded."
Tolkien's unfinished stories are amazing, however all the works he completed and published himself are heartbreaking.
If I understand the history correctly, then before fantasy was it's own established genre all stories of fantastic measure were simply known as fairy tales, myths, legends etc. Tolkien's essay reveals that it is no coincidence that he was integral to the development of Fantasy and his insights to the different aspects tie all his other work together.
I have difficulty describing my feelings when experiencing great Fantasy stories, but Tolkien does this well
"If [fairy-stories] awakened desire, satisfying it while often whetting it unbearably, they succeeded."
Tolkien's unfinished stories are amazing, however all the works he completed and published himself are heartbreaking.
If I understand the history correctly, then before fantasy was it's own established genre all stories of fantastic measure were simply known as fairy tales, myths, legends etc. Tolkien's essay reveals that it is no coincidence that he was integral to the development of Fantasy and his insights to the different aspects tie all his other work together.
I have difficulty describing my feelings when experiencing great Fantasy stories, but Tolkien does this well
December 3, 2022
Ho letto molti bei libri, e a diversi sono anche arrivato a dare 4 stelline. Poi ci sono quei libri che hanno qualcosa in più, qualcosa che li distingue dalla massa. I Capolavori.
E dopo di quelli, oltre il parere comune, oltre la fama e la gloria nei secoli dei secoli, ci sono i libri che, in un modo o nell'altro, hanno cambiato la mia vita, aggiungendovi qualcosa che prima ci mancava, o meglio, facendomi riscoprire meraviglie che avevo dimenticato, riuscendo a spiegarmi ciò che provavo e che io non ero in grado di esprimere. Questi sono i libri per me "Fondamentali."
Questo libro è Fondamentale perché...
...spiega, e in maniera comprensibile per di più, cosa c'è dietro alla fantasia e all'immaginazione; è una vera e propria guida ai mondi inventati, e alle Storie dal punto di vista di bambini e di adulti: differenze e similitudini. E' stato importante per la mia formazione di "spero-un-dì" scrittore del fantastico.
E dopo di quelli, oltre il parere comune, oltre la fama e la gloria nei secoli dei secoli, ci sono i libri che, in un modo o nell'altro, hanno cambiato la mia vita, aggiungendovi qualcosa che prima ci mancava, o meglio, facendomi riscoprire meraviglie che avevo dimenticato, riuscendo a spiegarmi ciò che provavo e che io non ero in grado di esprimere. Questi sono i libri per me "Fondamentali."
Questo libro è Fondamentale perché...
...spiega, e in maniera comprensibile per di più, cosa c'è dietro alla fantasia e all'immaginazione; è una vera e propria guida ai mondi inventati, e alle Storie dal punto di vista di bambini e di adulti: differenze e similitudini. E' stato importante per la mia formazione di "spero-un-dì" scrittore del fantastico.
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