14 Comments

I enjoyed reading this very much. I read some similar thoughts here, https://open.substack.com/pub/bornofwonder/p/a-very-lord-of-the-rings-advent-pt, and I think I’ll just copy and paste what I wrote in reply to that post, because it’s equally applicable. Thanks for the great read!

~~~

I also like to think about how (in the books, at least) Gimli gets a glimpse of the Glittering Caves of Aglarond, a glimpse of the wonders he will experience in the next age of Middle Earth, though, at the time, he has no way to be certain that he will even survive even that very night at Helms Deep.

Expand full comment

Beautiful! Love the Helm's Deep/Advent connection so much! Thank you Steph!

Expand full comment

Phenomenal. The older I've gotten, the more complex life and the tragedies and beauties along the way have become...and I've had to cling to stubborn hope.

(I feel like a lemon twist with strawberry juice will help with that clinging. One of my obscure passions is the art of the old-fashioned soda - so this really is up my alley).

Expand full comment

I was just thinking about Helm's Deep and that moment where Gandalf comes over the crest the other day. I think it's one of my very favorite moments from the whole series. Loved this whole reflection and post (and thanks for sharing that link)!

Expand full comment

Helms Deep! What an analogy! Steph, I just loved this essay so much.

Expand full comment

Oh, now I have to listen to the Battle of Helm's Deep again! What a lovely article to succor us through these times. The lemon twist with strawberry juice sounds divine and I'll add it (probably with a fruity twist of my own) to the Christmas lunch menu for our hot and summery Aussie Christmas. Although I'm not a Christian myself, I appreciate your message and wishes for hope. May your Advent bring you and your community much comfort and joy through this season.

Expand full comment

This is so lovely. Yes hopeful, waiting, expectant.

Expand full comment