Exploring Patterns in Tolkien�s The Lord of the Rings
On the surface, Tolkien�s Lord of the Rings appears to be a rather simple tale, but "it is no bed-time story" (Tolkien, Letters 41). Encompassing the struggles of Middle Earth�s inhabitants against great evil, complexity arises in the weaving of this tale. The setting takes upon such a role that the land itself seems to possess the characteristics of an individual figure and its behaviors affect the unfolding plot. The complexity of this body includes a cycle of its past, present and future, and the inhabitants are mere pawns in a gigantic game between the forces controlling Middle Earth.
The many cycles of Middle Earth, as with all rings, have neither conclusion nor beginning. All of Tolkien�s tales occur somewhere in the weave of these paths and are simply �recorded,� as though they were real histories of �lost civilizations� (Sibley 23). In essence, nothing can be done to stop the revolution of Time, but actions will serve only to slow and lessen its more painful effects (Tolkien, Fellowship 479, bk. 2, ch. 3). As time slips by, events are added to the realm of history and the future can only bring what the patterns of the governing spirits of Middle Earth, the Valar, dictate (Tolkien, Letters 237). Of all these cycles, the one with the most power on Middle Earth is also the most obvious, the ever changing seasons of Nature.
Never-Ending �History�
A glance at our own history reveals many repetitions � peace and war � but though the specific details and ages have changed, we are none the wiser and have not learnt from the time that has passed. The political boundaries of the Earth have changed as rapidly as those of Middle Earth and hence, these parallels draw into the believability of the tale. Tolkien, though, is free to do as he will with the characters � Hobbits, elves, orcs and dwarves are too far removed from reality for most to believe that it is an exact allegory of any specific and real conflict (Tolkien, Letters 41).
Still, "the darkness of the present days has had some effect on" LotR but the themes and occurrences leading up to conflicts are so vague that the story is relevant even when dealing with today�s war with Iraq (Tolkien, Letters 41). At the time of publication, LotR was often regarded as an opinion piece, based on the dangers of the ultimate powers possessed by the One Ring, similar to the mass-destruction capabilities of nuclear technology. Once again, with the vagueness found in LotR and Tolkien�s avoidance of mentioning any specifics, the nuclear struggle is one of many conflicts the principles can be applied to, hence, "it is not [specifically] an allegory of Atomic power" (Tolkien, Letters 246).
Certainly, the various emotions of the People have not changed from fantasy to reality � we too feel greed, love, courage and from our morals, decide on courses of action that may be attribute to a �right� or a �wrong.� This is a tale of the ongoing fight against evil thus readers will always be able to see parallels between the text and their own lives, thus enhancing the values and lessons as told in the tale (Tolkien, Fellowship 67, bk. 1, ch. 2). In essence, LotR is better described as an �analogy� and not �allegory� for not all factors have their equivalents in the real world. The details and conclusions of every conflict will differ; hence, not every fantastical element will have its relevance. "Allegory and Story converge, meeting somewhere in Truth," and indeed, there is much to be learnt from our past history � both of fact and folklore (Tolkien, Letters 121). "Do not despise the lore that has come down from distant years; for oft it may chance that old wives keep in memory word of things that once were needful for the wise to know" (Tolkien, Fellowship 491, bk. 2, ch. 8).
Only a thin line separates what we know to be fact or fiction, and in creation, an individual author is given the opportunity to create a unique and ideal solution to the problem, often one that has never been applied in reality. History, then, is simply a collection of events that have occurred, many conflicts � not essentially war � told from various perspectives. In the present and the future, though, when the conditions are satisfactory, then there will be a similar occurrence. "Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight? A man may do both. For not we, but those who come after will make the legends of our time" (Tolkien, Towers 33, bk. 3, ch. 2). In order to suppress the potential effects of darker phases of our revolving cycles of fate, we must learn to correct old mistakes and learn what has worked in the past; be it fact or fiction, there are lessons that have yet to be learned.
The Ever-Changing World
"The world changes, and all that once was strong now proves unsure" (Tolkien, Towers 171, bk. 3, ch. 7). Power can never be indefinitely held by a particular group, for as the surrounding situations change, it is often not possible to quickly adapt. With respect to Charles Darwin�s theory of evolution, the forces that can adapt most adequately will emerge as the winners in these conflicts. Sometimes, the triumphant will be the forces of good, and other times, those of darker purpose � the cycle will forever continue. Unfortunately, though, this is powered by the need to win these battles. The governing powers of the world shall ensure that those pure of heart will victor even against great odds � such is the romance and allure of the fantasy genera. "But the world is changing once again. A new hour comes . . . battle is at hand" (Tolkien, Fellowship 326, bk. 2, ch. 2).
There will always be those who cannot adapt to the changing world about them, and new peoples with better adaptation abilities will take the places of those who have become extinct. Avoidance or ignorance of a species� own inability to cope will only attribute to a faster disappearance of the species. In the case of the little hobbits, their blissful ignorance maintained by Middle Earth�s governing spirit of the Valar is their ticket to extinction, due to their localized habits (Fisher 9). Living in a complete lack of understanding of the changes Middle Earth undergoes does not give the hobbits even a fighting chance to attempt to adapt. Forces of evil, furthermore, from the outside world find it especially easy to utilize the hobbits� own innocence for their own foul purposes, adding to the unavoidable demise of the race (Tolkien, Return 335, bk. 4 ch. 5). "But it is not your own Shire. Others dwell here before the hobbits were; and others will dwell here again, when hobbits are no more. The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out" (Tolkien, Fellowship 111, bk. 1 ch. 3). This doomed existence of the hobbits, though, cannot be seen with their own eyes, and for this, the messenger of the Valar and wizard Gandalf is certainly thankful (Jackson 3). It is almost as if the Valar intended to place an �expiration date� on hobbits, making them as timid as possible, and so quiet that they merge with the nature which they adore (Tolkien, Fellowship 1, bk. 1 ch. 1).
Still, the creation of the hobbits was for a purpose, that of the destruction of the One Ring, (Tolkien, Fellowship 353, bk. 2, ch. 2) for hobbits were granted the abilities of hidden strength and courage, beyond the measure of forms so small (Tolkien, Fellowship 288, bk. 2, ch. 1). "There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow" (Tolkien, Fellowship 185, bk. 2, ch. 1). Even with these gifts though, the majority of hobbits never are given the opportunity to express that courage and willingness to change their traditional way of life. Thus, "the tides of Time will sweep" away their very existence and accomplishments (Tolkien, Fellowship 479, bk. 2, ch. 7).
Even Tolkien�s favorite creatures of Middle Earth, his Elves, have lost the constant battle for adaptation (Tolkien, Letters 176). They are slow to change, and definitely not synchronized with the rapidly changing environments of Middle Earth. "We must depart into the West, or dwindle to rustic folk of dale and cave, slowly to forget and be forgotten" (Tolkien, Fellowship 479, bk. 2, ch. 7). Hence, the passage over the Sea to the Grey Havens � a land which ages and progresses at a similar rate as its inhabitants � will compromise for the Elves inability to cope with change, and preserve their being. "Catch a glimpse far aft of Lorien that you have seen only in our winter. For our spring and summer are gone by, and they will never be seen on the earth again save in memory" (Tolkien, Fellowship 511, bk. 2, ch. 9). Though they are portrayed as being the "the artistic, aesthetic and purely scientific aspects of the Humane nature raised to a higher level," they would still fade upon Middle Earth and receive the Valar�s �gift of death� granted to Men (Tolkien, Letters 236). Similarly, the Ents and the Dwarves face negative population growth due to habitat destruction and their hobbit-like ignorance of the outside world (Tolkien, Letters, 179). Thus, their fate will be similar to that of all failed Peoples, or �experiments� of the Valar (Tolkien, Letters 236).
Men, the longest living race of Middle Earth are still here today if LotR was a pre-history to our time (Sibley 15). Unlike the hobbits, Ents and Dwarves, Men roamed Middle Earth and their realms of great expansion � Gondor, Rohan, Arnor, and others. The knowledge of Men was adapted from other sources including the Elves (Faramir; Tolkien, Towers 346, bk. 4, ch. 5), as well as Istari themselves, particularly Gandalf and Saruman (Respectively, Aragorn; Tolkien, Return 417, Appendix A and Theoden; Tolkien, Towers 141, bk. 3, ch. 4). Having this knowledge has allowed Men to be the most adaptable People of Middle Earth. Most importantly, they are willing to change their ways � unlike the Elves � and thus, Men had the greatest capabilities of sustainability.
With the end of the War of the Ring, one of the greatest conflicts of the time the inhabitants of Middle Earth faced was the conclusion of the Third Age. "These . . . fading years of the Eldar" drew to a close with the Elves leaving for the Gray Havens in forced exile, leaving the care of Middle Earth to men (Tolkien, Return 451, Appendix B). Alluding to the cycle process, the Elves leave by the sea, but also, "the return of the kings of Men to Middle Earth [was] out of the deeps of the Sea, born upon . . . the wings of a storm" (Tolkien, Fellowship 318, bk. 2, ch. 2). "Upon the foremost ship, a great standard broke . . . the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for years beyond count . . . [Aragorn has] come none too soon" for the Age of Men has come, the Age of the Elves passing (Tolkien, Return 138, bk. 5, ch. 6).
The Return of the Shadow
"The evil of Sauron can not be wholly cured, nor made as if it had not been. But to such days, we are doomed" (Tolkien, Towers 185, bk. 3, ch. 7). Only the Elves who have lived long enough to see the repetition in the cycles of history have the wisdom to note that however powerful the forces of the right are, even the powers of the Valar can not end all evil. Without a sense of wrong, there would never be an opposing right. Just as good cannot vanquish evil, though, the Shadow also "cannot conquer for ever," but all will engage in an endless battle that will span across many lifetimes (Tolkien, Towers 387, bk. 4, ch. 7).
In this conflict, neither side can fully win, although it is possible to slow the regeneration of the forms of evil. This seems to be hopeless and one�s actions would never be of significance in the long run. Despair, however, "is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt . . . It is wisdom to recognize necessity . . . folly . . . to those who cling to false hope" (Tolkien, Fellowship 353, bk. 2, ch. 2). Hence, there is always hope for that day in the future � perhaps � when evil will be extinguished forever. "Some there are . . . who sing that the Shadow will draw back, and peace shall come again. Yet I do not believe that the world about us will ever again be as it was of old" (Tolkien, Fellowship 457, bk. 2, ch. 6).
In Middle Earth�s Third Age, evil is personified in the smoky spirit of Sauron, ever enduring in his Ring of Power which bears his essence. Unfortunately, unless the destruction of this Ring (or the root of the problem) ensues, all the Last Alliance and other forces of good can do is harm evil�s form, and the spirit remains ever-potent (Jackson 13). Even with the destruction of the One Ring, other evil forces would govern the events of Middle Earth; "there are many powers in this world, for good or evil" (Tolkien, Fellowship 289, bk. 2, ch. 1). Hence, other Dark Lords will attempt to reign over Middle Earth, and all of these will have one thing in common � service to the Shadow. "Always after a defeat and respite, the Shadow takes another shape and grows again" (Tolkien, Fellowship 67, bk. 1, ch. 2).
Even as the Fourth Age of Men begins, the curse of existence continues. Evil can never be truly absent and exists in various forms and degrees of suppression, with the least in races of orcs, but the most in their ancestors, the Elves. Still, the fight against evil is a constant battle, though not always dramatized in the massive armies of Middle Earth; rather on the home front, amongst those of different opinion and even within oneself. Finally, in the war against evil, there will be many battles, and every victory should be cherished. "You may triumph on the fields of the Pelennor for a day, but against the Power that has now arisen there is no victory" (Tolkien, Return 138, bk. 5, ch. 6).
Rhythms of Nature
"The settings in Tolkien�s books are not backgrounds: they are very much a part of the story" (Sibley 67). Of Middle Earth, the greatest respect paid is towards its preservation and conservation. Not only does this fantastical land experience realistic seasons of a typical northern-hemisphere type, with snowy winters and warm summers. All has a vague enough sense to suggest the fantastic, but yet not the absurd (Kocher 7); "[The Shire is] an idyllic landscape that might be Oxfordshire � but which is not Oxfordshire" (Sibley 72). Hence, Tolkien expresses the four annual seasons as reasonable and believable barriers to hinder any tasks occurring in Middle Earth, including the Fellowship�s quest (Tolkien, Fellowship, 360, bk. 2, ch. 3, ff.).
The less obvious, but most effective use of Tolkien�s seasons is to symbolize the passage of the passing cycles of nature. This dictates the dawning and setting of the great Ages of Middle Earth, both of time and of its inhabitants. LotR deals with the passing of the First Born Elves during the Third Age, though, "Middle Earth is inseparable from Elves; unlike Ents or even Hobbits, they were there from the beginning" and their passing signifies ultimate change (Stanton 99). In the last Great Years before the War of the Ring, only a few sanctuaries of the elves remained their beauty ever preserved by the power of the Three. Unlike the One, Elven �magic� rings "were not made as weapons of war or conquest: that is not their power . . . but understanding, making and healing, to preserve all things unstained" (Tolkien, Fellowship 353, bk. 2, ch. 2).
Although "there is no hope left in Elves nor dying Numenor" (Tolkien, Fellowship 340, bk. 2, ch. 2), the last hope of the Free Peoples, the Fellowship of Nine appointed by the Council was formed and set forth from Rivendell. "A perfect house . . . merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear and sadness," (Tolkien, Fellowship 295, bk. 2, ch. 1) designed by Elrond as a last refuge for the Elves as "a fortress. Outside it is getting dark" (Tolkien, Fellowship 296, bk. 2, ch.1). The passing time and seasons of the Elves is apparent even in Rivendell built to face the Elves� impending doom from the East (Tolkien, Fellowship 353, bk. 2, ch. 2). "Shadows had filled the valley below, but there was still a light . . . The air was warm. The sound of running and falling water was loud, and the evening was filled with a faint scent of trees and flowers, as if summer still lingered in Elrond�s gardens" (Tolkien, Fellowship 296, bk. 2, ch. 1).
Of all of the last remaining elven lands, "[Lothlorien] is the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago" (Tolkien, Fellowship 459, bk. 2, ch. 6) but Time wears upon this land too. Although "nothing seems to be going on, and nobody seems to want it to" (Tolkien, Fellowship 473, bk. 2, ch. 7), it is doomed to "fade and be forgotten" sharing the fate of its creators (Tolkien, Fellowship 353, bk. 2 ch. 2). "There lies the fair woods of Lothlorien . . . My heart would be glad if I were beneath the eaves of that wood, and it were springtime!" (Tolkien, Fellowship 439, bk. 2, ch. 6) The seasons, though, cannot be stopped even by powerful magic, but only slowed as "time does not tarry ever" (Tolkien, Fellowship 510, bk. 2, ch. 9). Hence with the coming of the Fourth Age, the spring for an Age of Men is about to emerge from the delayed, but present winter of the Elves; "Alas that it is winter!" (Tolkien, Fellowship 442, bk. 2, ch. 6).
The Passage of Time
Middle Earth time (if it can be so called) is perceived in the same way as the hours, minutes, days and years readers experience outside of fantasy. Even under the influence of magic, though, this fantastical power seems to be "limited . . . to the powers found only within Middle Earth" and thus, according to the patterns of nature, magic cannot permanently stop time if one wishes to remain forever in a situation (Fisher 55).
The principle characters of LotR, however, observe time with different eyes; each of the independent Peoples have their own perspective of the passage of years. Of them all, the view of the slowly aging and immortal Elves, is the most different. "Change and growth is not in all things and places alike" (Tolkien, Fellowship 510, bk. 2, ch. 9). Even the Elven-blooded Numenorians, see the world fleeting onwards while they do not age with it, "it is a grief to them" (Tolkien, Fellowship 510, bk. 2, ch. 9).
As Elves were granted the gift � and the curse � of immortality, the passage to the Grey Havens is their gift from the Valar � a place where the land will age at a similar pace to their liking (Tolkien, Fellowship 479, bk. 2, ch. 7). As the First Born though, all else appears as lesser in age, save the Ents, "the earthborn, old as mountains," of Fangorn Forest (Tolkien, Towers 72, bk. 1, ch. 4). "[The forest] is old, very old. So old that almost I feel young again, as I have not felt since I journeyed with you children" (Tolkien, Towers 108, bk. 1, ch. 5). Men and hobbits, though, share our view of the days, with a Shire month possessing the standard thirty days (Tolkien, Return 476, Appendix C) but when events occur quickly, it would seem that time has gained greater speed; "Time draws swiftly to some great conclusion" (Tolkien, Towers 376, bk. 6, ch. 9).
With the passage of time, memory develops and all on Middle Earth possess this ability from the Free Peoples to the trees and the grasses; "[Fangorn] is old and full of memory" (Tolkien, Towers 108, bk. 5, ch. 4). "Much evil must befall a country before it wholly forgets the Elves, if once they dwelt there . . . The trees and the grasses do not now remember them. Only I hear the stones lament them . . . They are gone. They sought the Havens long ago" (Tolkien, Fellowship 372, bk. 2, ch. 3). The importance of this memory, and what it is perceived as varies between the Free Peoples. It is impractical for any mortal to dwell forever in the past, as he has a limited time to accomplish great deeds for the future. Elves, on the other hand, have practically all the time in the world. Thus, Elvish memories play a much larger role in their life, especially as their winter approaches. They will dwell in the memories of the great days of the Elves � a much better occupation than seeing the unstoppable aging and destruction of all they love.
The least reward that [we] shall have is that the memory of Lothlorien shall remain every clear and unstained in your heart, and never fade nor grow stale. [But] memory is not what the heart desires. That is only a mirror . . . or so says the heart of Gimli . . . for [Elves] memory is more like to the waking world than to a dream (Tolkien, Fellowship 497, bk. 2, ch. 7).
In terms of the Elves their venture upon Middle Earth cannot end happily, for their deep love is for the land on which they can no longer remain � an end brought on by the resurgence of the Shadow and the destruction of their own magic along with that of the One Ring. "For the Elves, I fear, it will prove at best a truce, in which they may pass to the Sea unhindered and leave Middle Earth forever" (Tolkien, Fellowship 457, bk. 2, ch. 6).
Of the never stopping flow of time, though, only the Elves bear the most suffering as with their immortality. They are the only race which can see the slow deterioration and change of Middle Earth, once an Elven utopia � the dwarves, hobbits and Ents are too bound to their homes to see these changes, and Men do not possess the years to observe. Still, the Men of Numenor who live longer than mortal men, have seen this difference, and in the predicament of Aragorn and Arwen, there is this advice: "I speak no comfort to you, for there is no comfort for such pain within the circles of the world . . . Go to the Havens and bear away into the West the memory of our days together that shall there be evergreen but never more than a memory" (Tolkien, Return 422, Appendix A). Once the Elves leave Middle Earth, they must be content with no reminders of their previous lives save for what remains in their minds. "Leave Middle Earth forever! Alas for Lothlorien that I love! It would be a poor life in a land where no Mallorn grew. But if there are Mallorn-trees beyond the Great Sea, none have reported it" (Tolkien, Fellowship 457, bk. 2, ch. 6). Hence, in order to retain the essence that makes them Elven, the First Born must cross to the Grey Havens and find contentment in their new lives with only memories of the old.
Elves and Natural Magic
There is a lack of infinite power in LotR and reasonably, any magic used is confined to "the powers found only within Middle Earth," or a �natural magic� (Fisher 55). The most powerful character of them all, then, is not Sauron or the Valar, but Middle Earth itself. The capabilities of a particular individual are based on their understanding, reverence and connections to natural elements, "such a power . . . in the earth itself" (Tolkien, Fellowship 349, bk. 2, ch. 2). The elves coexist the most successfully with nature, their lives and only loves being the land and things from it (Tolkien, Letters 146). This then, illustrates the main difference between good and evil in LotR; good were created by the Valar to work with nature, while evil forces are mutations and mockeries of original formations (Fisher 64).
"[Elven magic�s] object is Art not Power, sub-creation not domination and tyrannous re-forming of Creation . . . evil can rise from a good root" (Tolkien, Letters 146). Magic, then, can be similar to our developing technology, with the awesome power of the One Ring as atomic technology; "nuclear power can be used [for domination] . . . but [this technology] need not to be . . . used at all" (Tolkien, Letters 246). The Second World War during Tolkien�s lifetime illustrated the evil potential of nuclear technology, though today it can also be used for beneficial purposes such as energy creation. The existence of this technology presents the opportunity for a third party to intervene and evil results will spring from the best intentions. This plight is very similar to that of Gandalf, Boromir and Galadrial when confronted with the One Ring (Tolkien, Fellowship 81, bk. 1, ch. 2; 351, bk. 2, ch. 2; 480, bk. 2, ch. 7) � its power could serve all their causes and lead them to a temporary victory, but in the long run, only evil can become of this power.
Magic, then, would be a generic term for the use of the powers of Middle Earth, for good or ill. To preserve and glorify nature would be �good,� while the destruction of nature would be �evil.� This magic was bound to the land itself, "you can see and feel it everywhere" but could also be used for other purposes (Tolkien, Fellowship 473, bk. 2, ch. 7). Those who did not regularly use magic, then, would see that it as the unlimited power of its bearer. The natural magic used by the elves is to maintain the land, such as the Elven Ring Nenya�s influence on Lothlorien; "If there�s any magic about . . . it�s right down deep, where I can�t lay my hands on it" (Tolkien, Fellowship 473, bk. 2, ch. 7). Hence, the greatest visible impact would be from evil magic, hence, the ordinary folk will grow wary of any such users. "This [Mirror of Galadrial] is what your folk would call magic . . . though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem to use the same words of the deceits of the Enemy" (Tolkien, Fellowship 475, bk. 2, ch. 7). Even though the Elves possess the ability to use natural magic, there is little �deception� and the most �dramatic� use of magic illustrated in Middle Earth would be the fireworks of Gandalf (Fisher 9) His other acts, including fire �creation� (Tolkien, Fellowship 381, bk. 2, ch. 3; 392, bk. 2, ch. 4) would have occurred naturally, but over a longer period of time. Middle Earth�s magic then, serves only as a catalyst, not causing anything to occur, but only speeding up a perception of time.
If natural magic were to aid the forces of good, then the unnatural would be its opponents. Certainly, anything that was not in accordance with the initial formation by the Valar would not be in harmony with Middle Earth, something to be feared. This was illustrated in Sam�s greatest fear when confronting Gandalf�s wrath; "Don�t let him hurt me . . . Don�t let him turn me into anything unnatural!" (Tolkien, Fellowship 84, bk. 1, ch. 2) The main armies of evil, furthermore, were not natural creatures, but rather a corrupted form of the natural elves.
They were once Elves . . . Orcs. These creatures multiplied until the Dark Lord had grown himself a monstrous army . . . Filled with dark will . . . and bore little relation to their nobel Elven ancestors . . . Saurman has been breeding his own race . . . he has created a race of creatures of unparalleled power and brutality . . . the Uruk-hai (Fisher 64; 69).
Not only in mutated creatures was evil magic to be found, for even natural creatures, such as the Crebain and the Wargs can turn dark. "No signs of the wolves were to be found . . . No trace of the fight remained but the charred trees . . . These were no ordinary wolves" (Tolkien, Fellowship 393, bk. 2, ch. 4).
In the changing world, with the resurgence of the Shadow, the Elves and the Valar try vainly to preserve the beauty they have known and loved (Fisher 9). As a result of this, Middle Earth returns the favor of protection, so to others of the Free Peoples, Elves are "almost invisible . . . as they move swiftly and silently . . . camouflaged by their magical gray cloaks" (Fisher 45). On this �magic� though, there are only the powers of nature acting, and this was obtainable only through the undying love between Middle Earth and their elvish inhabitants. "[On the �magical� cloaks] They are Elvish, leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things . . . for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make" (Tolkien, Fellowship 486, bk. 2, ch. 8). The natural magic of the elves, though subtle, is amongst the most powerful as it works in harmony with the environment and the plans of Middle Earth itself. "The lord of the Galadhrim is accounted the wisest of the Elves . . . and a giver of gifts beyond the power of kings" (Tolkien, Fellowship 473, bk. 2, ch. 7).
In return for their undying love of Middle Earth, the natural barriers of the land tend not to affect the Elves, unlike the rest of the Free Peoples � "The storm had troubled [Legolas] little, and he alone of the Company remained still light of heart" (Tolkien, Fellowship 382, bk. 2, ch. 3). But along with this love, comes the greatest grief of the Elven. Their departure for the Havens in the West will break their ties with Middle Earth and this movement seems to be almost against their own beliefs for it is definitely unnatural. "[The Elves] seem to belong here . . . whether they�ve made the land, or the land�s made them, it�s hard to say" (Tolkien, Fellowship 473, bk. 2, ch. 7). Still, the earth itself is evolving to a point where the elves can no longer exist; Middle Earth will mourn its loss.
Reverence and Love
The Valar certainly created Middle Earth to be an ideal land and this spirit�s love of the objects of its creation can be seen in the appointed wizard leaders still on their side. Gandalf respects the Valar and the nature of Middle Earth, and admires the passage of time upon them; "the trees were beautiful and had stood so long" (Tolkien, Fellowship, 405, bk. 2, ch. 4). On the other hand, Saruman has lost this respect and mutates the earth to achieve his own ends (Fisher 69). Nature in itself is not evil, but similar to an individual, it will formulate its own opinions on their surroundings. If situations are not to their liking, then nature can act in their own interest. Tolkien�s natural magic is definitely not a passive force. "I do not think the wood feels evil, whatever tales may say . . . what evil is in it is far away . . . where the hearts of the trees are black. There is no malice near us; but there is watchfulness, and anger" (Tolkien, Towers 108, bk. 3, ch. 5).
To a lesser degree than the worship of the Elves, the hobbits are also Valar creatures which favor nature; they make their livelihood from the Earth and they devote their mortal lives to the beautification of their beloved lands (Fisher 9). In terms of identity, though, hobbits have a natural link, similar to the elves; "Most of [the hobbits of Bree] had natural names, such as Banks, Brockhouse . . . many of which were used in the Shire" (Tolkien, Fellowship 205, bk. 1, ch. 9). Nature is also built into the culture of the Elves, especially when dealing with their tongues. "The beauty of the melodies and the interwoven words in elven-tongues . . . took shape . . . then the enchantment became more and more dream-like . . . an endless river . . . flowing over him" (Tolkien, Fellowship 306, bk. 2, ch. 1).
The loss of Middle Earth to the Elves is akin to death for this immortal race, but this can be seen as their great sacrifice, the need for them to give up what they most dearly love to put an end to their greatest hate � that of Sauron.
Legolas Greenleaf, long under tree / In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea! / If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore, / Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more . . . Dark are [Galadrial�s] words, and little do they mean to those that receive them . . . Would you have her speak openly to you of your death? (Tolkien, Towers 124, bk. 3, ch. 5)
Indeed, in a changing Middle Earth, the Elves� only way to preserve their lands is through the Three which will diminish with the destruction of the One Ring and hence, Sauron.
What should be shall be. The love of the Elves for their land and their works is deeper than the deeps of the sea, and their regret is undying and can not wholly be assuaged . . . Yet they will cast all away rather than submit to Sauron: for they know him now (Tolkien, Fellowship 479, bk. 2, ch. 7).
But this is for the best as "one who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters" and there is no time of greater need than the final War of the Ring (Tolkien, Towers 203, bk. 3, ch. 9). The importance of the nature of Middle Earth to the Elves can lastly be illustrated in this loose analogy in which the elves being their own creation of the ever enduring lembas and the Mallorns wrappings, their own forests.
The food was mostly in the form of very thin cakes . . . call it lembas . . . it is more strengthening than any food made by Men . . . The cakes will keep sweet for many, many days, if they are unbroken and left in their leaf-wrappings, as we have brought them (Tolkien, Fellowship 485, bk. 2, ch. 8).
Elves then, would have been content to live out the Ages of Middle Earth, undisturbed in their forests, but as the earth itself dictated, they have served their purpose. The time has come for their passing and the dawn of another People (Tolkien, Fellowship 112, bk. 1, ch. 3).
Fearful Powers
When angered, though, Middle Earth can rally its powers against those individuals and things it wishes to destroy or to forget; yet it will never stop changing and shaping the landscape; "The Marshes have grown since [the days of the Last Alliance], swallowed up the graves; always creeping, creeping" (Tolkien, Towers 289, bk. 4, ch. 2). In the dark days of the War of the Ring, the land itself knows of its ultimate demise if indeed, the Shadow of Sauron is allowed to spread across Middle Earth. Hence, it takes its own measures to prevent those unwelcome from coming their parts of the lands and stopping the spread of evil contamination; "shut[ing] them in" (Tolkien, Fellowship 266, bk. 1, ch. 10).
The trees do not like strangers. They watch you. They are usually content merely to watch you, as long as daylight lasts, and don�t do much . . . But at night, things can be most alarming . . . all the trees were whispering to each other, passing news and plots . . . In fact, long ago they attacked . . . But the hobbits came and cut down hundreds . . . After that, the trees gave up the attack, but they became very unfriendly (Tolkien, Fellowship 145, bk. 1, ch. 6).
The Elves, though, can summon the need of protection from their surrounding nature if they feel that they were at risk or in great need. Due to their close connections the enemy of one is most likely the enemy of the other, thus with shared hatred, the power of the elves increase dramatically with help from Middle Earth itself, though elven powers are more for wisdom then conquer and war (Tolkien, Fellowship 332, bk. 2, ch. 2). "Elrond commanded [the flood]. The river of this valley is under his power, and it will rise in anger when he has great need to bar the Ford . . . There is great vigor in the waters that come down from the snows of the Misty Mountains" (Tolkien, Fellowship 294, bk. 2, ch. 1).
In the final War of the Ring, however, the powers the Elves are able to bestow on the Fellowship is limited due to the fading of the Elven peoples themselves; "I don�t reckon that these folk can do much more to help us, magic or no" (Tolkien, Fellowship 474, bk. 2, ch. 7). Still, the destruction of the One is a task to be undertaken in secrecy, a quest that even "a host of Elves in armor of the Elder Days, it would avail little, save to arouse the power of Mordor" (Tolkien, Fellowship 361, bk. 2, ch. 3). Hence, the only use of a natural army in LotR would be that of the Ents (Tolkien, Towers 194, bk. 3, ch. 8) and the power of Elrond�s river � "At that moment there came a roaring and a rushing . . . the river below . . . rose, and down along its course, there came a plumed calvary of waves" (Tolkien, Fellowship 282, bk. 1, ch. 12). These instances illustrate that even though the Elves and the natural majesties of Middle Earth are fading in the Third Age, "indeed there is a power in Rivendell to withstand the might of Mordor, for a while: and elsewhere other powers still dwell" (Tolkien, Fellowship 292, bk. 1, ch. 12).
The Governing of the Valar
"If there is only one way, then I must take it. What comes after must come" (Tolkien, Towers 381, bk. 4, ch. 7). Of all these cycles or circles of Middle Earth, the Valar is the force which has the most influence upon the rate of rotation. Though not part of the earth itself, the Valar can dictate the direction of the lives of inhabitants of Middle Earth. The Valar is also the bodiless force that opposes the Shadow of Sauron, but even so, it does not have access to unlimited powers and must physically act through others.
The immediate �authorities� are the Valar . . . created spirits . . . potently �sub-creative,� and resident on Earth to which they are bound by love, having assisted in its making and ordering . . . they cannot by their own will alter any fundamental provision (Tolkien, Letters 193).
Hence, with the aid and direction of the Valar, many �coincidences� occur to benefit its own cause and will deter the forces of evil. Of all the Free Peoples, the Elves know of the Valar the most, for they are the Valar�s prize creation, the First Children, gifted with great wisdom and harmony with nature; still this came with a price and in return, the Elves must live to see their utopia slowly deteriorate into what Middle Earth is destined to become. "The Elves have their own labors and sorrows . . . our paths cross theirs seldomly by chance or purpose. In this . . . there may be more than chance; but the purpose is not clear . . . I fear to say too much" (Tolkien, Fellowship 112, bk. 1, ch. 3).
Along with the awesome power of the Valar to control many of the happenings within Middle Earth comes a sense of respect and fear from the Free Peoples. Those that know of the Valar�s presence for what it truly is will step carefully, fearful of interference with the master planners of Middle Earth, trusting the Valar�s judgment for the better.
The Ultimate Opposing Power
"There are many powers in this world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not been measured. But my time is coming" (Tolkien, Fellowship 289, bk. 2, ch. 1). Although this is the view of Gandalf as a wizard in the form of a Man, he is a representative of one of the Valar�s physical forms and presence in Middle Earth. Though the Valar is one of the great powers acting on Middle Earth, there are still others with which it must contend. "There was more than one power at work . . . [the Ring] abandoned Gollum. Only to be picked up by the most unlikely person imaginable: Bilbo from the Shire! Behind that there was something else at work, beyond the design of [Sauron]" (Tolkien, Fellowship 73, bk. 1, ch. 2). The most obvious opposing force to the �good� of the Valar would be the evil of Sauron, also lacking a physical form, having to act through the orcs of Mordor as well as the wizard Saurman (Fisher 70).
In a sense, the Valar is a blending of invisible forces which make things �happen� on Middle Earth, but like natural magic, serves mostly as a stimulus to encourage certain behaviors; "Fortune or fate has helped you, not to mention courage" (Tolkien, Fellowship 291, bk. 2, ch. 1). The Valar, though, is more powerful than �magic� in that it has some say in the ways the circles of the land turn, and is able to discreetly guide those who are willing to abide by its rules � "Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet" (Tolkien, Fellowship 484, bk. 2, ch. 8). Many of the Valar�s actions can not be seen right away to be either reasonable or foolish folly, and it is only and with the gift of hindsight can the Free Peoples determine the results of their courses as "it will prove, maybe," to be the greatest choice (Tolkien, Fellowship 468, bk. 2, ch. 7). For a people otherwise without guidance, though, the Valar serves as the best roadmap available.
Sending of the Istari
To guide the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, the Valar must act through the inhabitants or the land itself. Similar to Sauron and lacking physical form, the Valar has many servants of its own creation � the inhabitants of Middle Earth. Once the Valar decides what needs to be done, it seeks out the individuals it best feels can accomplish the task and the mission is laid upon them � "You have been chosen" (Tolkien, Fellowship 81, bk. 1, ch. 2).
For certain tasks, such as the destruction of the One Ring when the odds are too great for the Free Peoples to handle, it is possible for the Valar to assume the bodily forms of Men, or the Istari, an order of wizards sent from the West.
They came out of the Far West and were messengers sent to content with the power of Sauron and to unite all those who had the will to resist him; but they were forbidden to match his power with power or to seek to dominate Elves or Men by force or fear . . . they had many powers of mind and hand (Tolkien, Return 451, Appendix B).
In the Third Age, five such men were released in Middle Earth; as these must literally �become� men, they are also susceptible to the faults of Men � particular by the folly of greed for power (Tolkien, Letters 237). Indeed, the wizard Saruman fell to ill ends, but Gandalf faithfully served the Valar and was rewarded with the respect and the patience of the Free Peoples; "Do not judge the counsel of Gandalf, until all is over" (Tolkien, Towers 171, bk. 3, ch. 7).
Gandalf is a �created person�; though possibly a spirit that existed before in the physical world. His function . . . is an angelos or messenger from the Valar . . . to assist the rational creatures of Middle Earth to resist Sauron, a power too great for them unaided . . . These �wizards� were incarnated in the life-forms of Middle Earth, and so suffered the pains of both mind and body (Tolkien, Letters 237).
The wizards of the Valar are similar to the Elves in their love and limitations in terms of nature and the power they possess; "Gandalf could be seen, glittering in the gloom; seemed small, and altogether alone: gray and bent, like a wizened tree before the onset of a storm" (Tolkien, Fellowship 433, bk. 2, ch. 6). In terms of magic, the Istari do not possess the ultimate powers of the Valar and must act through the magic of Middle Earth itself, hence, their �hocus-pocus� powers are limited to a very practical magic which "[could] be broken by strength" (Tolkien, Fellowship 429, bk. 2, ch. 5). Still, the Istari are merely to serve as guides for the Free Peoples to make their own choices and "those that followed him knew not his mind and can not report his full purpose. But however it may be with the guide, the followers are blameless" (Tolkien, Fellowship 467, bk. 2, ch. 7). Istari, furthermore, were not spectacular in appearance, letting them blend in with the inhabitants of Middle Earth and lessening the sense of provided guidance to discourage leniency.
Though the wizards do not possess the awesome powers of their creators, they still retain the great wisdom they are known and respected for; to doubt the wisdom of the Istari seems to be similar to the great vice of doubting the Valar itself. "If it were possible, one would say that at last Gandalf fell from wisdom into folly, going needlessly into the net of Moria . . . He would be rash indeed that said that thing, needless were none of the acts of Gandalf in life" (Tolkien, Fellowship 467, bk. 2, ch. 7). Finally, the Istari are not invincible, nor is the Valar and like its Middle Earth creations, must face the growing storm. Together, the Valar and its creations, have the best chances of defeating the Shadow; so much greater than that of each alone.
As a Source of Judgement
Although the Free Peoples and their livelihoods are affected by the Valar on a constant basis, it is very difficult for them to read the actions of their governing power, though there is no such problem the other way around. Still, there is a trust of the Free Peoples in the Valar and they are willing to serve as pawns on the gigantic chessboard of Middle Earth, perhaps playing into the wrong hands, but still ever � perhaps blindly � trusting that things will work out, even "when our escape seemed beyond hope [Gandalf] saved us, and he fell" (Tolkien, Fellowship 466, bk. 2, ch. 7). Hence, the way of the Valar may be puzzling to the Free Peoples, but if there is no spontaneous interference from well meaning, but misguided individuals, the Valar will have the final say in the unfolding events of Middle Earth. "I do not foretell, for all foretelling is now vain: on one hand lies darkness, and on the other, only hope" (Tolkien, Fellowship 480, bk. 2, ch. 7).
The Free Peoples, then, serve Middle Earth best by following the paths the Valar sets out for them to walk, and as they are all puppets of greater force, there is no grunge to be held between the Peoples, though even Galadrial dares not question outright the infinite wisdom of the Valar. "For the fate of Lothlorien, [Frodo is] not answerable . . . yet I could wish . . . that the One Ring had never been wrought or had remained forever lost" (Tolkien, Fellowship 480, bk. 2, ch. 7). Those that do not know of the power of the Valar, though (such as the hobbit Frodo who has far less connections with the natural magic and much less wisdom than the Elven Queen) strays to question the Valar on its treatment of Gollum, but is quick to be corrected by the Valar on earth, Gandalf. "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise can not see all ends" (Tolkien, Fellowship 79, bk. 1, ch. 2).
There is, then, not the knowledge on Middle Earth to determine what the future will hold and there are many deceptions that appear to show years to come, including the Mirror of Galadrial. The Valar�s plans may be foiled as a result of these visions, hence, knowledge of the future may be the most dangerous, but can be provided by one of the many forces at work in Middle Earth � it is obvious that neither Sauron nor the Valar has complete control of the Mirror of Galadrial, but perhaps a battle between both.
The Mirror will show things unbidden, and those are often stranger and more profitable than things which we wish to behold . . . What will you see, if you leave the Mirror free to work, I can not tell . . . Remember that the Mirror shows many things, and not all have yet come to pass. Some never come to be, unless those that behold the visions turn aside from their path to prevent them. The Mirror is dangerous as a guide of deeds (Tolkien, Fellowship 475-6, bk. 2, ch. 7).
The only certain way to see into the future, then, is by experience. There is nothing that can foretell what lies in the future, whether it be by the Valar�s doing or not, except Time itself.
Fear of Interference
With the power of the Valar comes a sense of respect from all those who know of its importance � both to themselves as a Peoples, but also to the future of Middle Earth. Hence, as all paths of those chosen by the Valar are already laid before them, those who know of the Valar are reluctant to attribute any information that may alter the course of the future. "Such questions cannot be answered" (Tolkien, Fellowship 81, bk. 1, ch. 2). From this caution, sprang the Shire saying, "go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes" (Tolkien, Fellowship 111, bk. 1, ch. 3). This, though is for the reason that "elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill" (Tolkien, Fellowship 111, bk. 1, ch. 3). Aside from respect, though, there is a fear of this mighty power, and even mighty Elven lords are cautious in their speech if the future is discussed � as seen with encounters with Gildor, Glorfindel, and Elrond � "[Gildor] would not say anymore, except in dark hints. Some other fear on him was greater than [Gandalf�s]" (Tolkien, Fellowship 75, bk. 1, ch. 2; others Fellowship 276, bk. 1, ch. 12; Fellowship 354, bk. 2, ch. 2). Perhaps as she has lived and known the ways of the Valar for longer times than have the others, Galadrial offers the Fellowship a more in depth reason for her lack of aid in their decisions.
I do not counsel you one way or the other. I am not a counselor. You may learn something, and whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet it may not. Seeing is both good and perilous . . . you have courage and wisdom enough for this venture . . . do as you will (Tolkien, Fellowship 477, bk. 2, ch. 7).
Yet once they have become part of Middle Earth, the Istari are Men and can no longer foretell the intentions of the Valar, hence sometimes even Gandalf is reluctant to suggest any course of action to the Fellowship, preferring rather to let the Free Peoples themselves determine their �fate� as according to the Valar; "For this choice, [Frodo] could recall no counsel" (Tolkien, Towers 310, bk. 4, ch. 3). As all involved roads� have already been chosen, there are different roles that each must play, "It is not my part to choose for you; but I will help you as I may" (Tolkien, Fellowship 483, bk. 2, ch. 8). Though it may also be against one�s preferences or customary practice, respect for the Valar and hope for the future will permit many unusual things from occurring. "[On admission of Gimli to Lorien] We will do this, though it is against our liking" (Tolkien, Fellowship 450, bk. 2, ch. 6). It is from these unusual things � as they are also unexpected by the Shadow � the victory for the Free Peoples will be bought.
On the Actions of the Fellowship
The formation and the task of the Fellowship was created by the doings of the Valar and throughout LotR, there exist many examples of its interference in the activities of the Nine, but without these �aids� the Quest would have failed. The finding of the One Ring by Gollum was obviously aided by some foreign power, as hinted at by many individuals (Tolkien, Fellowship 73, bk. 1, ch. 2). "Yet at last, as [Sauron�s] shadow grew, Saruman yielded and the Council put forth its strength . . . and that was the very year of the finding of this Ring; a strange chance, if chance it was" (Tolkien, Fellowship 328, bk. 2, ch. 2). The particular individual chosen by the Valar to have found this Ring was also deliberate, as noted by Gandalf; "[Gollum] must do what he will. But he may play a part yet neither he nor Sauron have foreseen" (Tolkien, Fellowship 336, bk. 2, ch. 2) The true purpose of Gollum is revealed at the end of the quest, proving true the purpose of the Valar.
Even before the formation of the Fellowship, its members were already chosen. The hobbits, in particular were gifted with a �sixth sense� which protects them from evils they have as of yet no knowledge of; "[Frodo] had a feeling it was not [Gandalf] and a sudden desire to hide from the view of the rider came over him" (Tolkien, Fellowship 99, bk. 1, ch. 3). Also, Sam seems to have the slight ability to see into the future, and as that image is not clear, he is prompted to join Frodo on his quest, though the blurry reason is "don�t rightly know what I want, but I have something to do before the end" (Tolkien, Fellowship 115, bk. 1, ch. 4).
With the presence of the guide from the Valar, Gandalf, serving as the catalyst to the formation of the Fellowship, his sudden removal through an evil encounter of Saruman seems to be quite untimely as there was heavy dependence on his guidance. "[Gandalf] was delayed, and that nearly proved our ruin. And yet I am not sure: it may have been better so" (Tolkien, Fellowship 288, bk. 2, ch. 1). The absence of Gandalf certainly had to do with the �surprise� meeting of Aragorn at the Prancing Pony Inn and it is certainly more than mere coincidence that this Ranger has the ability to lead the hobbits onwards to Rivendell (Tolkien, Fellowship 219, bk. 1, ch. 10). Furthermore, Gandalf�s absence also granted the �pre-Fellowship� a chance to see an elven lord in his full strength and ability, the �chance� meeting of Glorfindel on the road to the Ford (Tolkien, Fellowship 275, bk. 1, ch. 12). The circumstances of Gandalf�s rescue from the fortress of Isengard is even more amazing and certainly contrived by the Valar, as the purpose of Gandalf�s absence has been served. "There came a night of moon, and Gwaihir . . . came unlooked-for and he borne [Gandalf] away, before Saurman was aware" (Tolkien, Fellowship 343, bk. 2, ch. 2).
The path which the Fellowship must take was also contrived by the Valar, beginning with Frodo�s sudden � and obviously influenced � decision to take on the quest; "At last, with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice" (Tolkien, Fellowship 355, bk. 2, ch. 2). As the Ring leaves on its journey, though, and Aragorn foretells of Gandalf�s demise in Moria, "I will follow your lead now � if this last warning does not move you. It is not of the Ring, nor of us others that I am thinking now, but of you Gandalf!" (Tolkien, Fellowship 398, bk. 2, ch. 4). It is impossible for the Fellowship to chose a different route � the Valar has made it unfeasible for them to do so with the unleashed furiously of the winter peaks; "The Company halted suddenly, as if they had come to an agreement without any words being spoken" (Tolkien, Fellowship 379, bk. 2, ch. 3). Once within Moria though, the Fellowship�s path was clear "even in the gloom . . . [Gandalf] knew whither he wished to go, and he did not falter . . . there was a path that lead toward his goal" (Tolkien, Fellowship 408, bk. 2, ch. 4). Not only to Gandalf, being the servant of the Valar, is the path clear, but also to Frodo when all other hope fades; "This can�t be the way! Right or wrong, we must take the other" (Tolkien, Towers 409, bk. 4, ch. 9).
Even if activities would not have normally be undertaken by the members of the Fellowship, they would exhibit unexplainable behaviors as dictated by the Valar; "Pippin felt curiously attracted by the well . . . moved by a sudden impulse, he groped for a loose stone, and let it drop" (Tolkien, Fellowship 411, bk. 2, ch. 4). The Valar did not only command folly, however, but it also possessed the ability to awaken the ancient bravery in the hearts of all hobbits in time of danger (Tolkien, Fellowship 185, bk. 1, ch. 8). "Suddenly, and to his own surprise, Frodo felt a hot wrath blaze up in his own heart. �The Shire!� he cried . . . and stabbed with Sting at the hideous foot" (Tolkien, Fellowship 426, bk. 2, ch. 5). Not only in the Ringbearer is this "seed of courage" awaked when confronted with the dangers of Moria, (Tolkien, Fellowship 185, bk. 1, ch. 8) but also the Valar chose to "[give] to Sam a sudden violence and strength that was beyond anything . . . expected" (Tolkien, Towers 418, bk. 4, ch. 9).
Finally, the Valar served as a sense of motivation to the bleakest time of the Fellowship, when the quest seemed beyond all hope and of the Nine, all that remained was Sam. At this time, the Valar chose to speak through the little hobbit and to give to him the bravery which would be required to successfully fulfill the Quest; "�Aiya Earendil!� . . . [Sam] cried, and knew not what he had spoken; for it seemed that another voice spoke through his, clear, untroubled by the foul air" (Tolkien, Towers 410, bk. 4, ch. 9). In the heart of Moria, the Valar�s close ties to the Elves is revealed through the choice of language it chose to speak out through when "[Sam�s] tongue was loosened and his voice cried in [Elvish] a language which he did not know" (Tolkien, Towers 422, bk. 4, ch. 10). This motivation was enough to encourage Sam to continue on his given mission as a Companion of the Ringbearer and as a result of this, the Valar�s goal of the One�s destruction is fulfilled (Tolkien, Return 268, bk. 6, ch. 3).
The Destruction of the Ring
Though Middle Earth is governed by endless cyclical patterns of events, Tolkien does hint at a possible escape from these days of doom (Tolkien, Towers 185, bk. 3, ch. 8). For upon the deathbed of King Elessar, he remarks to his now mortal queen, Arwen, "Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of this world! Beyond them is more than memory!" (Tolkien, Return 442, Appendix A) Hence, there is somewhere between the Grey Havens, Middle Earth and the depths of Udun where the Valar, nature and history has no control, but the location of this land can only be unlocked in mortal death, the escape promised by the Valar to the mortals. This final escape, though is unattainable for the most sorrowful Peoples of Middle Earth; the Elves will be forever bound to the land and likewise to the cycles that rule it.
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