E'len see la luma nomih tyelvoh. That's Elvish for "A star shines upon the hour of our meeting." Even if you don't believe in Elves it's hard to resist the enchanting languages J.R.R. Tolkien created for the creatures of Middle Earth. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, we find out what it takes to make your own myth, from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to Dragonslayer, the strongest sword in the world. Also, the secrets of the Aurora Borealis.
Tom Shippey, author of "Tolkien: Author of the Century," talks with Steve Paulson about the great fantasy writer's life, the origins of hobbits, and Tolkien's motivation for writing fantasy. Also, Bill Welden, an expert on Tolkien's Elvish languages, talks with Jim Fleming about Elvish derivations and vocabulary and remembers his visit to the set of the new "The Lord of the Rings" movie.SEGMENT 2:
Phil Cousineau talks with Anne Strainchamps about the power of myth in everyday life, and why we need to recognize the myths active in our own lives. Cousineau is the author of "Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Modern Times."SEGMENT 3:
Professional bladesmith Richard Furrer tells Jim Fleming about "Dragonslayer," a blade soon to be forged from ultra-strong steel created with the help of a Northwestern University computer model. "Dragonslayer" should stand up to dragon's scales and fiery breath. And the researchers are looking for a dragon to test it on! Also, Lucy Jago, author of "The Northern Lights," tells Steve Paulson about the life and work of the Norwegian scientist who figured out what really causes these strange lights in the sky. For centuries people believed a variety of myths about them.Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 01-12-02-A.
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