megpie71 (megpie71) wrote in overthinkers, @ 2009-03-03 22:27:00 |
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Current mood: | geeky |
Entry tags: | analysis, lotr |
Real-World Politics and Economics in a Fantasy Setting (or "Was the Relief of Minas Tirith Worth the
This is an essay sparked by a few discussions on the Henneth-Annûn mailing list. One discussion began harmlessly enough, with a question as to how the Rangers paid their shot at the Prancing Pony. It quickly intensified into an examination of the rather complex politico-economic underpinnings of the Northern Kingdom. Further imeptus toward writing this has come from Anglachel's essay "Writing a Green Sun" and her comments about likely economic, political and sociological situations in the Shire. I've also had some rather urgent nibbles from a plotbunny, wanting me to deal with the whole mess as well. So here goes. Imagine this as a preiminary briefing for King Elessar Telcontar from his economics advisor (a rather dry and dusty academic who is normally located somewhere in the bowels of the archives of Minas Tirith, but who has lately been out and about having a look at things, and demanding information from any of the newcomers who'll stand still long enough to be interviewed).