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So I didn't get through The Discarded Image when I wanted to, but since I still have the book checked out for another week, I've been reading it during those hours when I can't sleep but don't want to disturb anyone by getting back on the computer. One such time was last night. I'd finally gotten to a name I recognized--Pseudo-Dionysius (whose books I really need to read because they were so influential in the Middle Ages)--and was reading CSL's summary of his classification of angels into three hierarchies containing three species each. The list, for those who don't know: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
Lewis' statement clarifying the translation of dunameiV as "Virtues":
This does not mean moral excellences but rather 'efficacies', as when we speak of the 'virtues' of a magic ring or a medicinal herb.
I stopped and laughed to myself for a moment. The Discarded Image was written in 1964, and we *know* Lewis loved LOTR. And Tolkien did use "virtue" in precisely that way many times throughout the trilogy.
I don't think there's any way to prove Lewis was thinking of LOTR when he wrote that sentence, but it sure sounds like it to me....
Yes, I'm back. A little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little better rested, one project finished, and--thanks to Mum--very satisfied with my new furniture arrangement. But I still don't want to go back to work tomorrow. ;)
Ah, well. Only three weeks to Easter.
Lewis' statement clarifying the translation of dunameiV as "Virtues":
This does not mean moral excellences but rather 'efficacies', as when we speak of the 'virtues' of a magic ring or a medicinal herb.
I stopped and laughed to myself for a moment. The Discarded Image was written in 1964, and we *know* Lewis loved LOTR. And Tolkien did use "virtue" in precisely that way many times throughout the trilogy.
I don't think there's any way to prove Lewis was thinking of LOTR when he wrote that sentence, but it sure sounds like it to me....
Yes, I'm back. A little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little better rested, one project finished, and--thanks to Mum--very satisfied with my new furniture arrangement. But I still don't want to go back to work tomorrow. ;)
Ah, well. Only three weeks to Easter.
