J.R.R.

Tolkien

Leaf by Niggle

From J.R.R. Tolkiens essay, On Fairy-Stories

Farie is a perilous land, and in it are pitfalls for the
unwary and dungeons for the overbold (3).
it is man who is, in contrast to fairies, supernatural
(and often of diminutive stature); whereas they are
natural, far more natural than he (5).

On Fairy-Stories
Farie contains many things beside elves and fays it
holds the seas, the sun, the moon, the sky; and all the
earth, and all things that are in it: tree and bird, water
and stone, wine and bread, and ourselves, mortal men,
when we are enchanted (9).

Fairy tales are for children?

Actually, the association of children and fairy-stories is
an accident of our domestic history. Fairy-stories have in
the modern lettered world been relegated to the
nursery primarily because the adults do not want it,
and do not mind if it is misused. Children as a class
neither like fairy-stories more, nor understand them
better than adults do. It is a taste one that does not
decrease but increases with age, if it is innate (On
Fairy-Stories, 34-5).

Discussion Questions
2 kinds of men, Niggle & Parish
What kind of trouble is Niggle in?
What does he mean by interruptions?
Has he done anything to bring these troubles
on himself?

STAGES OF NIGGLES JOURNEY:

1) At home, close to death
2) Picked up by Driver, Death
3) WORKHOUSE INFIRMARY
4) THE TRIAL, Judgment of Niggle Case
5) THE GENTLE TREATMENT: train trip to country of Niggles
picture
6) next stage, Niggle following shepherd Guide

2 conversations about Niggle:

earthly

Divine

The Mountains = ?
What is the meaning of the Mountains that
Niggle catches glimpse of?

SOME LESSONS IN TOLKIENS LEAF BY

NIGGLE
Prepare for eternity in present life

Duty to neighbor (grumbling attitude or embrace)

Collaboration = true picture of who we are (104)

cf. Hereafter in a better world than this I will desire

more love and knowledge of you. (As You Like It 1.2.302)

 Privacy/self-worship = deadly
(satisfaction instead of pleasure; with loss of own time
became master of his time with no sense of rush [98])

Lessons of openness = catching glimpse of Mountains in

Niggles art is worthwhile (109)

Practice God-given gifts! Even imperfect art (what is

perfect?) may be a glimpse of the Mountainsan
encouragement to exploring God

 Need discipline, suffering, to be cured of egotism

Ultimate calling to Redemption--Joy !

Closing thoughtfrom On FairyStories

The Christian has still to work, with mind as well
as body, to suffer, hope, and die; but he may now
perceive that all his bents and faculties have a
purpose, which can be redeemed. So great is the
bounty with which he has been treated that he may now,
perhaps, fairly dare to guess that in Fantasy he may
actually assist in the effoliation and multiple enrichment
of creation. All tales may come true; and yet, at the
last, redeemed (73).