Hilary, I am slowly progressing through your entry. Before I forget, have you heard of Tea with Tolkien website? They have even put together a reader's guide for the Silmarillion here: https://www.teawithtolkien.com/silmarillion. It's free. The group looks like it would be really fun.
So beautiful Umbria is. It is very mystical and holy, as you noted. My heart can't help feeling sad and raw about the abandoned monasteries and churches. I suppose there is no will or money for it, which reflects our post-Christian world. Seeing the holes in the roof of these still-beautiful structures made with so much love - well, it's sad.
So interesting!
Its also drop dead gorgeous in umbria. This also must play a role.
Hilary, I am slowly progressing through your entry. Before I forget, have you heard of Tea with Tolkien website? They have even put together a reader's guide for the Silmarillion here: https://www.teawithtolkien.com/silmarillion. It's free. The group looks like it would be really fun.
Now, back to the rest of your post!
So beautiful Umbria is. It is very mystical and holy, as you noted. My heart can't help feeling sad and raw about the abandoned monasteries and churches. I suppose there is no will or money for it, which reflects our post-Christian world. Seeing the holes in the roof of these still-beautiful structures made with so much love - well, it's sad.