Participatory Middle-earth: An Ancient Resonance and the Ruling Ring

Abstract

Often in Tolkien scholarship, discussions and debates occur regarding the meaning, symbolism, or ‘applicability’ (as Tolkien would say) of certain aspects of his writing, along with attempts to explicate it through different interpretive schema. In issue 63 of Mallorn, Sara Brown views The Lord of the Rings through the lens of alchemy, and concludes that Sauron’s One Ring is not made of gold, which, as an element alchemically considered, cannot represent something evil. Firstly, this article builds on an alchemical interpretation of Tolkien by analyzing a related topic; and secondly, it disputes Brown’s argument. This article adds to the alchemical reading of Tolkien’s work by connecting Owen Barfield’s concept of original participation to it, showing that seeing Tolkien’s Secondary World and the Primary World through a participatory lens can benefit consciousness. Experiencing the specially participatory nature of the characters in The Lord of the Rings can move readers toward a more participatory experience, themselves. Secondly, this article argues that due to Sauron’s collaboration with Morgoth in a participatory mode, it is probable that the One Ring is made of gold. If Sauron crafted the One Ring out of any other substance, his purposes would not have been as realized as they were. Despite challenging Brown’s thesis, this article praises the illuminating contribution of her alchemical reading.