The Middle Earth
11 days ago
- #Medieval Literature
- #Anglo-Saxon
- #Middle Earth
- The term 'middle earth' originates from the Anglo-Saxon word 'middangeard', referring to the human world as distinct from divine or outer realms.
- Historically, 'middle earth' was understood as the world between other invisible realms, such as heaven and hell, or the sky and the underground.
- During the medieval period, 'middle earth' was a common term for the world, later evolving to denote the mortal world from a fairy or non-human perspective.
- Sir Walter Scott popularized the term in the 19th century, associating it with the mortal world as opposed to Elfland.
- Winifred Peck's use of 'middle earth' reflects her Victorian upbringing, viewing the world as mundane yet connected to spiritual realms.
- J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' redefined 'middle earth' in popular culture, though its original meaning pertains to the ever-changing human world.