Music, Myth, and Education: The Case of The Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy

Abstract

In probing the interrelationship of myth, meaning, and education, I offer a case in point, notably, Peter Jackson's film adaptations and Howard Shore's musical scores for J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy - The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Intersecting literature, film, and music allows me to explore various perspectives or ways of meaning making associated with this myth. I then trace some of the implications of the analysis for musical and general education.