Saturday, December 13, 2008

Hobbit Thoughts - Symbol And Metaphor


"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
"The Hobbit", J.R.R. Tolkien

This enchanting little poem, which appears in "The Hobbit",
contains some interesting metaphor and Symbolism. Let's
examine the lines and unVeil their Magical meaning.

All that is gold does not glitter: Gold is rare, precious,
and pure. Gold is the one metal that does not oxidize or corrode
when exposed to air, or buried in the ground. Therefore, as a
Symbol, Gold represents any person, thing, Action, or Quest
which is uncorruptible or untarnishable.

Since remote antiquity, Gold has been used as a means of exchange.
And, due to its Purity, it is the metal of choice in jewelry and
adornments. Gold does not sparkle or glitter. It shines...like the sun.

To "glitter", to "sparkle", means to draw attention to oneself.
It is the showman, the Trickster, and the latest "fad" that uses
glitter and sparkle ("Fool's Gold") to attract the masses. Those
who are charmed by the glitter and sparkle of Fool's Gold seldom,
if ever, acquire true Gold.

Sacred Knowledge, Timeless Wisdom, and Eternal Truth do not
attract attention to themselves; they do not glitter. Like Gold
Nuggets these shining Treasures lie buried; waiting to be discovered
by the True Seeker.

Not all those who wander are lost: Just like the prospectors
who wandered to remote lands looking for Eldorado, the Seeker
wanders to remote lands, realms, and dimensions looking for Truth
and Wisdom. Wandering does not mean that the Seeker is lost.
It simply means that the Seeker is on a Quest.

The old that is strong does not wither: Ancient Wisdom is
the backbone, the Strength, of all that is True. These Wisdoms,
these Laws, are just as valid today as when they were first forged
in the long-forgotten Mists of the Remote Past. This backbone of
Truth and Wisdom does not wither regardless of how many ages
and kingdoms come and go throughout the Endless Cycles of Eternity.

Deep roots are not reached by the frost: The Deep Roots
represent our Strength Of Character. By searching for, discovering,
and absorbing Sacred Wisdom we develop Internal Strength.
This is a Strength that is True and Unwavering. It is a Strength
that cannot be touched by the heat, or cold, of any external Event.
It is the Strength of Wisdom. It is the Strength of Inner Peace.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
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Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
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