#6850

Mentioned in 6 episodes

Leaf by Niggle

Book • 2016

J. R. R. Tolkien

Written in 1938-39 and first published in the 'Dublin Review' in January 1945, 'Leaf by Niggle' is an allegorical tale that reflects Tolkien's own creative process and life.

The story follows Niggle, a painter who is obsessed with painting a perfect tree but is constantly interrupted by his obligations.

When Niggle is forced to take a journey, he finds himself in a bureaucratic purgatory and eventually discovers his tree in a more perfect form in an afterlife.

The narrative is a profound exploration of divine creation, human sub-creation, and the journey of life and death.

Mentioned by

Jennifer Trafton

Dr. Ken Atchity

Mentioned in 6 episodes

Mentioned by

Dr. Ken Atchity

as a short story illustrating the consequences of not taking charge of one's creative life.

A Writer's Time: Making The Time To Write - Dr. Ken Atchity [FULL INTERVIEW]

Mentioned by

Joe Loconte

as an autobiographical short story that Tolkien wrote when he was stuck writing The Lord of the Rings.

Joe Loconte: The War for Middle – Earth

Mentioned by

Raymond Hain

as an author who helps understand the rivalry between wisdom, beauty, and goodness.

Can Beauty Save the World? | Prof. Raymond Hain

Mentioned by

Jennifer Trafton

and is perfect for Lily.

Tales of the New Creation: Remix (Jennifer Trafton , Pete Peterson)

Mentioned by JC when defining evil, referring to Tolkien's discussion of evil as an inversion and perversion of good.

Various Astral Guests on Fear, Mind Parasites & the Nature of Evil (Halloween Special)

Mentioned by

John Ortberg

as one of Tim Keller's favorite stories, illustrating the creative process and perseverance.

A Spirit of Creativity (2023) - CHARACTER

Mentioned when

C.R. Wiley

recalls that Tolkien had to struggle with creative work because of his day job.

Will Artificial Intelligence Make Creative People More Efficient?

Recommended as a short story that Tolkien wrote around 1939, while he was writing The Lord of the Rings.

Newman and Tolkien: The Humility of (Hi)story – Prof. Giuseppe Pezzini

Mentioned by

Rebekah Lamb

as an example of one of Tolkien's novellas where the main character learns to detach from his artistic ambitions.

J.R.R. Tolkien's Detached Aesthetics I Dr. Rebekah Lamb

Mentioned by

Brian Brown

to illustrate a point about creative hubris.

S3 E13 - How Our Creating Is (and Isn't) Like God's (by Peter Leithart)

Mentioned as a straightforward and simple story like Smith of Wootenmajor.

The Cardinal Virtues and Living Life Well I Prof. Raymond Hain

Mentioned by the podcast hosts while discussing Tolkien's writings.

Silmarillion Stories - E03 - The Beginning of Days

Mentioned by

Brian Brown

as an example of a book that explores the importance of finding purpose in everyday life.

The Great Stories (For Real Life)

Mentioned by

Eric Browning

during a discussion about work and satisfaction.

THE FORGING TABLE | Genesis 2 (Ep. 706)

Mentioned by

Raymond Hain

as a lesser-known short story by Tolkien that speaks about co-creation with God.

The Christian Imagination I Prof. Raymond Hain

Mentioned as a short story Tolkien wrote in 1942, reflecting his midlife crisis and struggle to finish The Lord of the Rings.

Fascism, Communism, and the War for Middle-Earth with Joe Loconte

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