Abstract
The new book, The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christina Scull and Wayne Hammond, is a fascinating new look into a trove of previously unpublished Tolkien poetry. One of these new poems, “Ferrum et Sanguis,” includes an interesting series of addenda and subtitles written by Tolkien that give insight into the origins and inspirations for the poem. Furthermore, the interpretation given by the editors in their commentary on the poem misses the specific reference and applies it to a different source. The real source for the poem is very likely found in the Advent Vespers of the days surrounding Tolkien’s writing of the poem, rather than the Catholic Tenebrae service, as the editors posit. This article discusses the significance of that difference for Tolkien’s inspirations.
Recommended Citation
Lyon, Patrick J.
(2024)
"Antiphons of Iron and Blood: The Inspirations of Tolkien's Poetry,"
Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 20:
Iss.
2, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol20/iss2/7
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