Papers by Thomas Honegger
Hither Shore 20, 2024
Tolkien almost single-handedly rescued the Elves from dwindling away into
oblivion. He did so by ... more Tolkien almost single-handedly rescued the Elves from dwindling away into
oblivion. He did so by reverting the process of diminution that was already
well under way by the time Shakespeare wrote plays such as 'A Midsummer
Night’s Dream' (ca. 1595) and that reached its nadir a short time later in Michael Drayton’s 'Nimphidia' (1627). Tolkien turned back the clock and modelled his Elves on the inhabitants of Faërie as found in, for example, the Middle English 'Sir Orfeo' (ca. 1330), which participates in an older and more venerable tradition. This tradition depicts the Elves as human-sized, impressive, and sometimes threatening figures. Tolkien’s literary reconceptualization of the Elves meant that the predominant image of the Victorian (and Edwardian) ‘flower fairies’ would be superseded by more appropriate visualisationz. Consequently, we witness a reconceptualization of the inhabitants of Faërie also on a visual level, though illustrations featuring Elves were at first few and far between. Furthermore, since Tolkien neither painted nor drew any Elves, the starting points for the visualization of protagonists such as Legolas, Elrond, Arwen, or Galadriel have been the vague yet evocative descriptions in the texts themselves. It was thus basically a question which artist would successfully stake his or her claim first. It is the aim of my paper to trace the development of the depiction of Tolkien’s Elves and the impact this had on how we visualize the inhabitants of Faërie in art, movies, and video-games by means of selected examples.
Fantasy Aesthetics. Visualizing Myth and Middle Ages, 1880-2020, 2024
Tolkien almost single-handedly rescued the Elves from dwindling away into oblivion. He did so by... more Tolkien almost single-handedly rescued the Elves from dwindling away into oblivion. He did so by reverting the process of diminution that was already well under way by the time Shakespeare wrote plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream (ca. 1595) and that reached its nadir a short time later in Michael Drayton’s Nimphidia (1627). Tolkien turned back the clock and modelled his Elves on the inhabitants of Faërie as found in, for example, the Middle English Sir Orfeo (ca. 1330), which participates in an older and more venerable tradition. This tradition depicts the Elves as human-sized, impressive, and sometimes threatening figures.
Tolkien’s literary reconceptualization of the Elves meant that the predominant image of the Victorian (and Edwardian) ‘flower fairies’ would be superseded by more appropriate visualisations. Consequently, we witness a reconceptualization of the inhabitants of Faërie also on a visual level, though illustrations featuring Elves were at first few and far between. Furthermore, since Tolkien neither painted nor drew any Elves, the starting points for the visualization of protagonists such as Legolas, Elrond, Arwen, or Galadriel have been the vague yet evocative descriptions in the texts themselves. It was thus basically a question which artist would successfully stake his or her claim first.
It is the aim of my paper to trace the development of the depiction of Tolkien’s Elves and the impact this had on how we visualize the inhabitants of Faërie in art, movies, and video-games by means of selected examples.
Proceedings of the Tolkien 2019 Conference, 2025
This is the original English version of my paper published as 'Entre pères et fils: la présence d... more This is the original English version of my paper published as 'Entre pères et fils: la présence de Christopher dans l'oeuvre fictionnelle de J.R.R. Tolkien.' In Vincent Ferré (ed.). 2024. Les mondes de Christopher Tolkien. Hommage pour son centenaire. Adar. (e-book))
Eine kleine Geschichte der Orks. Der monströse Feind im Wandel der Zeit. Ed. by Delila Jordan and Kerstin Droß-Krüpe. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 41-60., 2024
‘From Old English orcneas to George MacDonald’s Goblins with Soft Feet: Sources of Inspiration an... more ‘From Old English orcneas to George MacDonald’s Goblins with Soft Feet: Sources of Inspiration and Models for Tolkien’s Orcs from English Literature.’ In Delila Jordan and Kerstin Droß-Krüpe (eds.). Eine kleine Geschichte der Orks. Der monströse Feind im Wandel der Zeit. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 41-60.
Hither Shore 19, 2023
The figure of the Redeemer King is a central element in the works of Charles Williams, J.R.R. Tol... more The figure of the Redeemer King is a central element in the works of Charles Williams, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, three core members of the Inklings. Charles Williams comes closest to this in his Arthurian Poems, but also in his posthumously published essay in the Arthurian Torso, the embodiment of the kingdom through a (semi-)historical person in a historical environment – even though he mystifies the figure of Arthur.
J.R.R. Tolkien's Aragorn (aka Elessar) is also rooted in the historicity of the Third Age of Middle-earth and reflects elements of the epic Arthurian tradition, but he also shares the archetype of the restitutor imperii, i.e. the renewer of the empire.
Finally, C.S. Lewis's work gives us King Peter Pevensie from the Narnia Chronicles, a representative of the fairytale-like tradition of kingship, while on the other hand we have Ransom (also known as the Fisher King) in 'That Hideous Strength', who combines aspects of the sacrificial king (Anfortas) with those of the pontifex maximus and the dawn of a new age. A comparative analysis of these four figures of kingship shows how the shared cultural and religious background of the Inklings has influenced all three authors, even though each author provides an individual interpretation of the concept of kingship.
Zeitschrift für Fantasieforshcung, 2024
Introduction to the Tolkien-Forum of the Zeitschrift für Fantastikforschung concerning the questi... more Introduction to the Tolkien-Forum of the Zeitschrift für Fantastikforschung concerning the question whether it was time to call it a day with Tolkien related research.
Zeitschrift für Fantastikforschung 11.1, 2024
Beitrag zum Forum ‘Wurde zu Tolkien noch nicht genug gesagt?'
Forma de Vida, 2023
This paper looks at the development of the 'Albus Jacsonensis' (the Peter-Jackson elf, as s:he is... more This paper looks at the development of the 'Albus Jacsonensis' (the Peter-Jackson elf, as s:he is seen in Jackson's movies) from the folklore origins and the work of the artist Alan Lee.
In Anna Czarnowus and Carolyne Larrington (eds.). 2022. Memory and Medievalism in George R.R. Martin and Game of Thrones. The Keeper of All Our Memories. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 67-78, 183-187., 2022
Ep. Winter Is Coming Ep. The Kingsroad Ep. Lord Snow Ep. Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things Ep.... more Ep. Winter Is Coming Ep. The Kingsroad Ep. Lord Snow Ep. Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things Ep. The Wolf and the Lion Ep. A Golden Crown Ep. You Win or You Die Ep. The Pointy End Ep. Baelor Ep. Fire and Blood Season Two (HBO, 2012) Ep. The North Remembers Ep. The Night Lands Ep. What Is Dead May Never Die Ep. Garden of Bones Ep. The Ghost of Harrenhal Ep. The Old Gods and the New Ep. A Man without Honor Ep. The Prince of Winterfell Ep. Blackwater Ep. Valar Morghulis Season Three (HBO, 2013) Ep. Valar Dohaeris Ep. Dark Wings, Dark Words Ep. Walk of Punishment Ep. And Now His Watch Is Ended Ep. Kissed by Fire Ep. The Climb Ep. The Bear and the Maiden Fair x Show episodes Ep. Second Sons Ep. The Rains of Castamere Ep. Mhysa Season Four (HBO, 2014) Ep. Two Swords Ep. The Lion and the Rose Ep. Breaker of Chains Ep. Oathkeeper Ep. First of His Name Ep. The Laws of Gods and Men Ep. Mockingbird Ep. The Mountain and the Viper Ep. The Watchers on the Wall Ep. The Children Season Five (HBO, 2015) Ep. The Wars to Come Ep. The House of Black and White Ep. High Sparrow Ep. Sons of the Harpy Ep. Kill the Boy Ep. Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken Ep. The Gift Ep. Hardhome Ep. Dance of Dragons Ep. Mother's Mercy Season Six (HBO, 2016) Ep. The Red Woman Ep. Home Ep. Oathbreaker Ep. Book of the Stranger Ep. The Door Ep. Blood of My Blood Ep. The Broken Man Ep. No One Ep. Battle of the Bastards Contributors
Lembas Katern in Lembas Jubileumnummer 200, 2022
Mythlore 40.1, 2021
This paper investigates two questions. First, why did Tolkien assign the Hobbits "a Mannish langu... more This paper investigates two questions. First, why did Tolkien assign the Hobbits "a Mannish language of the upper Anduin, akin to that of the Rohirrim" (LotR, Appendix F 1130) as the first language of which we have some knowledge? Second, why does Tolkien deny the Hobbits a distinct linguistic identity and turn them into linguistic chameleons? (https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol40/iss1/11)
Journal of Tolkien Research 13.1 (article 1), 2021
The question of where Tolkien found his inspiration for the One Ring has occupied fans and schola... more The question of where Tolkien found his inspiration for the One Ring has occupied fans and scholars alike for decades, and many rings real, fictional or legendary have been proposed. My paper takes a fresh look at the evidence and provides an overview of possible sources of inspiration from contemporary literature and archaeology. My research suggests that there was not one single source of inspiration but rather three rings that served as models, each of which contributed an important element to Tolkien’s concept of his One Ring. These models are: The Ring of Gyges, the Ring of Charlemagne, and Wagner’s Ring. The last of these is of central importance since Tolkien seems to have developed his One Ring in opposition to and as a critical ‘re-write’ of Wagner’s Ring of Power.
See also: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol13/iss1/1
Journal of Tolkien Research 9.1, 2020
This paper investigates the nature, role and functions of Bilbo and Frodo's family relationship a... more This paper investigates the nature, role and functions of Bilbo and Frodo's family relationship and the use of seemingly contradictory genealogical terminology within The Lord of the Rings.
Fantastic Languages – The Language of the Fantastic. (Fastitocalon 9: 23-34), 2020
Disputation Literature in the Near East and Beyond. Edited by Enrique Jiménez and Catherine Mittermayer. Berlin etc.: de Gruyter, 351-366., 2020
Said tea to coffee: "Oh youb urnt one, All blackened and crushed, your good looks gone, (…) Howc ... more Said tea to coffee: "Oh youb urnt one, All blackened and crushed, your good looks gone, (…) Howc omey ou're so proud and so haughty? Loquacity'st rulyy our forte! Yellow one, shall Il ist your disasters, One by one to your Bedouin masters? Youd ullard! Your real name is coffee, To all whoi mbibe, catastrophe! Af ruit youa re not,n or as avour, Nor relieff or the tired from their labour. But me, Ig ivea ll relaxation, I'mabalm, soothingw ounds and vexation."
Journal of Tolkien Research 9.2, article 8, 2020
This paper discusses the potentially problematic nature of certain forms of heroism in Tolkien’s ... more This paper discusses the potentially problematic nature of certain forms of heroism in Tolkien’s works and their representatives, such as Túrin Turambar or Beorhtnoth. It analyses not only the problems that may arise on the battlefield from an excess of pride (ofermod), but it also investigates the problem of how to contain and deal with the more aggressive forms of military prowess when its energies are not employed on the battlefield or in fighting an adversary such as a dragon. As will be shown, Tolkien contrasts his ‘unlucky’ heroes implicitly with heroic figures such as Aragorn Elessar, who tempers heroism with humility, wisdom, and self-restraint.
Ringe der Macht / Rings of Power. Band 21.1 (2019). Halle (Saale): Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte, 227-246., 2019
I Quaderni di Arda: Rivista di studi tolkienani e mondi fantastici., 2019
Splintered Heroes – Heroic Variety and its Function in The Lord of the Rings, 2018
This is a pre-publication version of an essay that has been published in 2018 as: Thomas Honegger... more This is a pre-publication version of an essay that has been published in 2018 as: Thomas Honegger, ‘Splintered Heroes – Heroic Variety and its Function in The Lord of the Rings.’ In John D. Rateliff (ed.). 2018. A Wilderness of Dragons: Essays in Honor of Verlyn Flieger. Wayzata MI: The Gabbro Head Press, 157-175.
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Papers by Thomas Honegger
oblivion. He did so by reverting the process of diminution that was already
well under way by the time Shakespeare wrote plays such as 'A Midsummer
Night’s Dream' (ca. 1595) and that reached its nadir a short time later in Michael Drayton’s 'Nimphidia' (1627). Tolkien turned back the clock and modelled his Elves on the inhabitants of Faërie as found in, for example, the Middle English 'Sir Orfeo' (ca. 1330), which participates in an older and more venerable tradition. This tradition depicts the Elves as human-sized, impressive, and sometimes threatening figures. Tolkien’s literary reconceptualization of the Elves meant that the predominant image of the Victorian (and Edwardian) ‘flower fairies’ would be superseded by more appropriate visualisationz. Consequently, we witness a reconceptualization of the inhabitants of Faërie also on a visual level, though illustrations featuring Elves were at first few and far between. Furthermore, since Tolkien neither painted nor drew any Elves, the starting points for the visualization of protagonists such as Legolas, Elrond, Arwen, or Galadriel have been the vague yet evocative descriptions in the texts themselves. It was thus basically a question which artist would successfully stake his or her claim first. It is the aim of my paper to trace the development of the depiction of Tolkien’s Elves and the impact this had on how we visualize the inhabitants of Faërie in art, movies, and video-games by means of selected examples.
Tolkien’s literary reconceptualization of the Elves meant that the predominant image of the Victorian (and Edwardian) ‘flower fairies’ would be superseded by more appropriate visualisations. Consequently, we witness a reconceptualization of the inhabitants of Faërie also on a visual level, though illustrations featuring Elves were at first few and far between. Furthermore, since Tolkien neither painted nor drew any Elves, the starting points for the visualization of protagonists such as Legolas, Elrond, Arwen, or Galadriel have been the vague yet evocative descriptions in the texts themselves. It was thus basically a question which artist would successfully stake his or her claim first.
It is the aim of my paper to trace the development of the depiction of Tolkien’s Elves and the impact this had on how we visualize the inhabitants of Faërie in art, movies, and video-games by means of selected examples.
J.R.R. Tolkien's Aragorn (aka Elessar) is also rooted in the historicity of the Third Age of Middle-earth and reflects elements of the epic Arthurian tradition, but he also shares the archetype of the restitutor imperii, i.e. the renewer of the empire.
Finally, C.S. Lewis's work gives us King Peter Pevensie from the Narnia Chronicles, a representative of the fairytale-like tradition of kingship, while on the other hand we have Ransom (also known as the Fisher King) in 'That Hideous Strength', who combines aspects of the sacrificial king (Anfortas) with those of the pontifex maximus and the dawn of a new age. A comparative analysis of these four figures of kingship shows how the shared cultural and religious background of the Inklings has influenced all three authors, even though each author provides an individual interpretation of the concept of kingship.
See also: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol13/iss1/1