Previously I wondered on here what the point of doing metaphysics in Tolkien was (or at all lol). A larger question is what the point of doing metaphysics in mythology is. Myth and metaphysics both aim at truth, but in different ways. I wonder how compatible those ways are, and how to put them in conversation. The concern I’m thinking of is the question of how precisely we can think about Tolkien, and how metaphysically consistent we must strive to be when dealing with the legendarium. Tolkien did think about metaphysics to some degree, but the heart of his project was myth. Myth can convey truth even while being metaphysically a mess. But the metaphysics can also give structure and order to Tolkien’s myth?? How do we balance them, what balance can be achieved, must we even balance them, is balance even possible?? This is actually a huge question I think...in Tolkien studies and in general
