The Light of Hope

Now more than ever, as we reflect on the sobering and harsh reality of a world darkened by events, we need a guiding light, and hope, a real hope, grounded in something and someone trustworthy. We need a reminder that, despite it all, is hope that is to be seized and acted upon, which keeps us going and keeps us humans even in the darkest of times.

‘Not all those who wander are lost.’ – J.R.R. Tolkien

It is easy to feel ‘lost’  right now, after all, none of us ever experienced such events before. We are wandering in a completely new situation, but that does not mean we should feel lost, and we are also not alone.

‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.’ – Gandalf 

Suddenly and unexpectedly, we have more time, so now we must decide what to do with it. Family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers, have become even more important than before. This is a time for sharing, caring, love and selfless kindness.

‘If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.’ – Thorin Oakenshield

Now we see things in a new perspective, and realize how much we take certain things for granted. A merrier world is a better world for everyone. Now we realize what is important and how much we value good company and song.

‘We must take a hard road, a road unforeseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril – to Mordor. We must send the Ring to the Fire.’ - Elrond

As we take the hard and unforeseen road that lies ahead, we must do it with hope even in the face of unprecedented danger. There is a quest to complete, and a battle to be won. We will prevail one day. 

‘The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.’– Gandalf

Like in a chess game, we are asked to make careful moves, we are asked not to stray, for our own good and the good of others, especially those on the Front Line. Their selfless work will be vital, they need our support and gratitude as they battle the enemy

‘It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing.’ -  Boromir

The enemy we are facing is in fact so small, we cannot even see it, and yet it carries a devastating power over us Some of us may be younger and stronger, but some are older and more frail. This small enemy needs to be defeated at all cost. Protect the more vulnerable. 

‘Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it . . . White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.’ – Gandalf

Many have already departed, and many more will follow in the days ahead. Let us never forget them. The sorrow of those left behind is great, but our loved ones  now walk in beauty and starlight.

‘But in the end it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines it'll shine out the clearer.’  – Samwise Gamgee

Sunrise will follow night. This shadow, no matter how dark, will pass. Remember Samwise’s words, and his courage, he can guide us through this black night. The sun will shine again, and when it does it will be even more warm and beautiful than before.

‘The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.’ – Haldir

The most beautiful stars shine bright in the darkest of times. People reaching out to help, support, guide others. Humanity at his best, and while the grief is real, love and kindness are there too, to remind us all that despite our differences, we are one and we need each other.  

‘Don’t adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story.’ – Bilbo Baggins

No, our adventure must not end here. There will be others that will carry this story on. Indeed, a lot of our work on this planet is ensuring that future generations can continue, and hopefully  make it a better place 

‘Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end, the Shadow was only a small and passing thing; there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach.’ - J.R.R. Tolkien

Dear friends, now it is more important than ever to have a place where to forget, a place to relax, and unwind. The Laurelin Archives is here for all of you in these challenging times. We look forward to read more of your amazing adventures in Middle-earth and to admire your artwork and screenshots. Please be safe, take care of yourselves, follow your Governments and World Health Organization's advice, and don't be scared, better times will come again.

-Laurelin Archives Web Team-

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Article by Amorey  - Banner art by Angel Ganev