Wraith-world: Difference between revisions

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==History==
==History==
Into it, the [[The One Ring|Ring]] could partly draw its wearer. Certain beings, such as the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], seem to have led a dual existence on the boundary between two worlds: our own, [[Seen]] world and the Wraith-world. While they had a partial form in our reality, they seem to have had a more solid existence in the Unseen. They also had the ability to draw others into their reality, and attempted this with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] through the use of an [[Morgul blades|enchanted weapon]]. This power to draw others into their realm seems to have been used to terrorise their servants, too.
The [[Rings of Powers]] were one of the means that could partly draw one into the Wraith-world. The [[Men]] who became the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], seem to have led a dual existence on the boundary between two worlds: our own, [[Seen]] world and the Wraith-world. While they had a partial form in our reality, they faded and ended up as having a more solid existence in the Unseen.  
 
Their weapons known as [[Morgul blades]] also had the ability to draw others into their reality. Frodo was [[Morgul wound|wounded]] by one such enchanted weapon. This power to draw others into their realm seems to have been used to terrorise their servants, too.
 
The [[High Elves]] existed in a brilliant, shining form on the other side of the threshold of the Unseen which was visible also in the Wraith-world: [[Frodo Baggins]] saw [[Glorfindel]] in this form while on the brink of the Wraith-world himself.


The Wraith-world was not populated by wraiths and [[Ring-bearers]] alone: the [[Elves]] existed in a brilliant, shining form on the other side of the threshold. At least, Frodo saw [[Glorfindel]] in this form while on the brink of the Wraith-world himself, and [[Gandalf]] later suggested that this nature was common to the [[High Elves]].
==Inspiration==
==Inspiration==
Though [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] goes into very little detail about this 'other side' to reality, it is mentioned often in accounts that have come down to our own time through folklore. In these stories, it is commonplace to find fairies and elves - and less friendly beings - moving between our world and their own mysterious realm. Indeed, these stories are, in part, the origin of the idea of 'fairyland', and it seems plausible that Tolkien's idea of the ghostly Wraith-world is in some way related to them. In the end, though, he gives us so little information that it is hard to do more than speculate the subject.
Though [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] goes into very little detail about this 'other side' to reality, it is mentioned often in accounts that have come down to our own time through folklore. In these stories, it is commonplace to find fairies and elves - and less friendly beings - moving between our world and their own mysterious realm. Indeed, these stories are, in part, the origin of the idea of 'fairyland', and it seems plausible that Tolkien's idea of the ghostly Wraith-world is in some way related to them. In the end, though, he gives us so little information that it is hard to do more than speculate the subject.

Revision as of 18:10, 19 January 2012

"They skin the body off you as soon as look at you, and leave you all cold in the dark on the other side"
Gorbag[1]

The Wraith-world was a mysterious alternative aspect of reality that belonged to the realm of the Unseen.

History

The Rings of Powers were one of the means that could partly draw one into the Wraith-world. The Men who became the Ringwraiths, seem to have led a dual existence on the boundary between two worlds: our own, Seen world and the Wraith-world. While they had a partial form in our reality, they faded and ended up as having a more solid existence in the Unseen.

Their weapons known as Morgul blades also had the ability to draw others into their reality. Frodo was wounded by one such enchanted weapon. This power to draw others into their realm seems to have been used to terrorise their servants, too.

The High Elves existed in a brilliant, shining form on the other side of the threshold of the Unseen which was visible also in the Wraith-world: Frodo Baggins saw Glorfindel in this form while on the brink of the Wraith-world himself.

Inspiration

Though Tolkien goes into very little detail about this 'other side' to reality, it is mentioned often in accounts that have come down to our own time through folklore. In these stories, it is commonplace to find fairies and elves - and less friendly beings - moving between our world and their own mysterious realm. Indeed, these stories are, in part, the origin of the idea of 'fairyland', and it seems plausible that Tolkien's idea of the ghostly Wraith-world is in some way related to them. In the end, though, he gives us so little information that it is hard to do more than speculate the subject.

References