The Origin and Meaning of 'Lor Bless You' in 'The Fellowship of the Ring'

In discussing the phrase 'Lor bless you', which Sam refers to Gandalf, we delve into a fascinating aspect of Tolkien's world and the translation of cultural nuances from The Lord of the Rings. This phrase is a key point in understanding the religious and cultural background of Tolkien's Middle-earth.

Understanding the Phrase 'Lor Bless You'

The text of The Lord of the Rings was originally written in the common tongue of the Third Age, known as Westron, and later translated by J.R.R. Tolkien into English. This means that the words we see in English are a result of Tolkien's translation and cultural interpretation.

Samwise Gamgee, a character from The Shire, says 'Lor bless you' to Gandalf. This phrase is a colloquial version of the more formal 'Lord bless you'. However, we need to understand that Tolkien translated the sentiment rather than the exact words. This is a common practice even in translations of modern literature, where it might not be appropriate to use the exact religious phrase.

Context in the English-Speaking World

In English-speaking cultures, phrases like 'Jesus Christ', 'For Christ’s sake', and 'Damn you' are common exclamations. But these are often rooted in religious context. Similarly, Tolkien likely chose 'Lor bless you' to convey the same sentiment in a way that fits the cultural background of the Hobbits, who were not necessarily religious.

Religious Practices in Middle-earth

Tolkien's portrayal of religious practices in Middle-earth is nuanced. In the Third Age, Hobbits did not have formal temples or churches. However, they could invoke Valar, similar to how a Catholic might invoke saints. The Free Peoples of Middle-earth generally did not have organized religious worship in the same sense as modern-day religious practices. They might call upon Valar for help, but not for religious worship.

According to Letter 153 from Tolkien's works, there were no temples or churches in Middle-earth among good peoples. The people may have turned to the Valar as children turn to their parents, recognizing them as superiors but not gods. This reflects a more primitive and less formalized religious practice compared to modern-day religions.

The Historical Background of Hobbits

The Hobbits did not always live in the Shire. They initially dwelt near the Northmen, ancestors of the Rohirrim, in the Vales of Anduin. The Hobbits began a westward migration around T.A. 1100, settling in Eriador, Bree, and Staddle. By T.A. 1601, the Hobbits had settled in the Shire, becoming subjects of the Kings of Arthedain, who claimed descent from Isildur and the Númenóreans.

Númenor, the former homeland of the Númenóreans, had a different religious practice, with the top of Mount Meneltarma dedicated to Eru. After the fall of Númenor, the tradition of invoking Eru continued among the exiles, though it was likely not a formal religion. It is plausible that the Hobbits, influenced by the speech and customs of the Men around them, adopted and adapted this practice for everyday use.

Modern English 'Lor Bless You'

By the time of Samwise Gamgee, the expression 'Lor bless you' had been in use for over 3000 years since the praise of Eru in Númenor. Its religious connotation had faded over time, likely due to the lack of organized religious practices among the Hobbits. The phrase 'Lor' is a colloquialism that carries no religious significance in the context of the Hobbits' culture.

Tolkien's translation of 'Lor bless you' to English is an attempt to capture the sentiment of an old expression that once held religious significance but no longer does. This translation helps to convey the nuances of the Hobbits' language and culture to modern readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Lor bless you' is not a direct reference to the Christian God, but rather a colloquial phrase with religious roots that has evolved over time. Tolkien's translation helps us understand the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Hobbits, preserving the essence of their language and providing insight into the broader world of Middle-earth.