A line from Wordsworth

[FoolOfATook]

I was reading William Wordsworth's poem "Tintern Abbey" for my Brit Lit course, and while savoring the sheer beauty of his verse, I came across this line.

And let the misty mountain-winds be free

Emphasis added.

While I'm sure that Tolkien probably read this poem at same point in his education, I doubt that he even remembered that particular line when he named the mountain range that figures so prominently in the geography of Middle-earth. However, there is a love and reverence for nature that is quite prominent in the work of both writers.

I just thought that it was kind of cool, anyway.

[Ithrynluin]

Originally posted by FoolOfATook
However, there is a love and reverence for nature that is quite prominent in the work of both writers.

I just thought that it was kind of cool, anyway.

It IS cool, and you are totally right.:) Isn't Wordsworth called the "nature poet"? And Tolkien was a bit ecologically inclined as well, not being very fond of machines that destroyed nature. He brings this view into the LOTR as well - The Shire being ruined equates to his childhood home being ruined in England. Or something like that, I am beginning to ramble.:p

[Wonko The Sane]

I LOVE Wordsworth! And Tintern Abbey is one of my favorite poems.

Notice also though that Wordsworth was describing the winds as misty rather than the mountains themselves.

:) You're right, I'm sure it has nothing to do with Tolkien, but it's kind of cool to note anyway. :)