The music of Mordor

Some time ago I suggested an analogy between Mordor, in The Lord of the Rings, and Islam. There was more to it than I realized. A reader writes:

Dear Mr. Auster,

Greetings. I recently read your postings about The Lord of the Rings movies and books from the VFR archives. This is purely for diversion: did you know Howard Shore’s musical theme for Mordor derives in large part from music of the Islamic world? Specifically, the use of “the North African reed instrument the rhaita…which forms part of the Mordor theme.” The screaming Islamic-sounding theme on the rhaita conjures the hellish slave state of Mordor then moves into the Dies Irae-esques of the Black Riders in The Fellowship of the Ring. This was composed before 9/11. It is interesting that in his search for inspiration for the sounds of the most evil place in the world he chose the music of an Islamic region. When I was in the theatre watching Fellowship in December of 2001 all I could think of was 9/11. “I wish the Ring had never come… I wish none of this had ever happened.” “So do all who live to see such times…”

On another note, I also agree with Bruce B. I quibbled with you a bit but he is right, your instincts are correct. You are on to something! God speed. I’ll be reading,

Andrea C.

P.S.

“Sons of Gondor, of Rohan! My brothers!

A day may come when the courage of men fails, but it is not this day!

A day may come when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day!

An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight!

By all that you hold dear on this good earth I bid you stand, Men of the West!

Posted by Lawrence Auster at June 15, 2006 01:25 PM | Send