Although there has been written a lot of investigative literature about the works of both J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, the research topic of this paper is still widely unexplored. Comparing the concepts of Tolkien´s Nazgûl and Rowling´s Dementors suggests itself since – besides their physical appearance - they offer distinct parallels but also, considering the background of their stories, are very different from each other. The analysis of this paper is supposed to determine the consequences fictional characters experience from encounters with those ghost-like creatures; the thesis underlying the analysis is that both Nazgûl and Dementors violate their victims in harming and/or destroying their souls.
Table of Contents
1. Soul-Suckers and Ringwraiths: Assaulting Ghost Creatures
2. Victims, Reasons and Methods
2.1 Doomed Convicts, Prey and Ring-Thieves
2.2 Hunger and Desire, Malice and Obedience
2.3 Abulia, Dark Breath, Death and Total Destruction
3. Soul-Suckers Destroy, Ringwraiths Harm
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to analyze the consequences of encounters between fictional characters and the ghost-like creatures known as Dementors from J.K. Rowling’s work and Nazgûl from J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, testing the thesis that these entities violate their victims by harming or destroying their souls.
- Comparative analysis of the nature and motivations of Dementors and Nazgûl.
- Investigation into the specific types of victims targeted by these creatures.
- Exploration of the psychological and physical effects of their assaults.
- Definition and philosophical implications of the "soul" in the context of fictional harm.
- Evaluation of potential remedies or protective measures against these entities.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Doomed Convicts, Prey and Ring-Thieves
In Rowling´s world, the term 'prey' is to be taken literally concerning all the victims of the Dementors, because those black, hooded and hovering creatures actually absorb positive feelings and memories of individuals from their environment, in order to continue their existance. In HPA, the Ministry of Magic even utilizes the Dementor´s way of ingestion as an exceedingly cruel punishment, in order to keep prisoners of the wizarding world at bay (39).
Here Rowling connects despair with madness and suggests that it is the loss of hope that makes us demented, that promotes criminality and destroys the heart. The Dementors, those who are supposed to guard prisoners, keep them in such a state of despair that they don´t even try to escape. (Natov 135)
Moreover, the terrifying prospect of being confronted with the prison guards of Azkaban works as a very effective preventive treatment for witches and wizards to not break the law. Since committing felonies such as performing one of the three Unforgivable Curses inevitably leads to the incarceration of the perpetrator to Azkaban, few people in the wizarding world dare to commit those crimes. “[Hagrid:] ’An´ - an´ I´m scared o´ breakin´ the law …’ He looked up at them, tears leaking down his face again. ‘I don´ ever want ter go back ter Azkaban’” (HPA 164).
Summary of Chapters
1. Soul-Suckers and Ringwraiths: Assaulting Ghost Creatures: Introduces the research topic and defines the thesis regarding the soul-violating nature of these fictional creatures.
2. Victims, Reasons and Methods: Analyzes the types of victims, the motivations behind the attacks, and the specific methods of the creatures.
2.1 Doomed Convicts, Prey and Ring-Thieves: Discusses how Dementors target human emotional states as prey, while Nazgûl focus on those hindering their pursuit of the One Ring.
2.2 Hunger and Desire, Malice and Obedience: Compares the hunger-driven nature of Dementors with the enslaved obedience of the Nazgûl to their master, Sauron.
2.3 Abulia, Dark Breath, Death and Total Destruction: Details the psychological and spiritual impacts on victims, specifically addressing the Dementor's 'kiss' and the Nazgûl's 'Dark Breath'.
3. Soul-Suckers Destroy, Ringwraiths Harm: Concludes the comparison by summarizing how Dementors represent total soul destruction, whereas Nazgûl function through oppression and psychological subjection.
Keywords
Nazgûl, Dementors, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Soul, Dark Breath, Patronus Charm, Middle-earth, Azkaban, Sauron, Voldemort, Literary Analysis, Fear, Fantasy, Ghost-like creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic paper?
The paper provides a comparative study of the Dementors from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and the Nazgûl from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, specifically focusing on how they interact with and harm the souls of their victims.
What are the main thematic fields explored?
The central themes include the nature of evil, the definition of the human soul, the psychological influence of fear, and the concept of existential despair in fantasy literature.
What is the main research question?
The research seeks to determine whether these fictional creatures actually destroy or violate the souls of their victims and compares the consequences of such encounters across both authors' universes.
Which scientific or analytical methods are used?
The author employs a comparative literary analysis, contrasting specific character encounters and textual evidence from both authors to derive conclusions about the nature of these supernatural beings.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the specific victims, the motivations of the creatures, and the physiological and psychological effects of the attacks, such as the Dementor's 'kiss' and the Nazgûl's 'Dark Breath'.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Nazgûl, Dementors, Soul, Fantasy Literature, Comparative Analysis, Fear, and Existentialism.
How do Dementors differ from Nazgûl in their level of autonomy?
Dementors are portrayed as creatures driven by hunger and self-preservation with their own will, whereas Nazgûl are formerly mortal kings who have been completely enslaved and corrupted by Sauron, serving him without an independent will.
How does the author define the 'soul' for this analysis?
The author uses a definition of the soul as the principle of thought and action in man, distinct from the physical body, representing the emotional and spiritual essence of a being.
Does this paper suggest there are any defenses against these creatures?
Yes, the paper discusses the Patronus Charm as a defense against Dementors and the use of the Athelas plant in Middle-earth to counteract the influence of the Nazgûl.
- Citation du texte
- Michaela Steiner (Auteur), 2011, The Violation of the Soul Through Nazgûl and Dementors, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/183563
