Does anyone else think about how Minas Tirith has enough lampwrights—specialized potters or glass-blowers or metalsmiths—for them to have their own street? #tolkienomics #tolkien #luinellë

“Prince Imrahil” by Abe Papakhian. Do you suppose the knights described as accompanying Imrahil were simply well-appointed horse guards of his household? Or were they vassals in turn of the Prince of Dol Amroth, with subfiefs of their own? #tolkienomics #tolkien #luinellë #gondor

“a long line of men of many sorts, hunters and herdsmen and men of little villages, scantily equipped” … Sharpen your latrine rake, Dingbor, we march off to the war at dawn! #tolkien #luinellë #gondor #tolkienomics

Also described by #Tolkien in the Pelennor are byres, which are specifically cow-sheds, as opposed to barns that provide stableage for horses. Large numbers of oxen were employed in the evacuation of Minas Tirith before it was besieged. #tolkienomics #luinellë #gondor

What the heck is #Tolkien talking about when he says “oast?” An oast is a kiln for the drying of hops, primarily used in the brewing of beer. Hops have been cultivated since at least the early Middle Ages, giving a good indication of the technological level of #Gondor. #tolkienomics #luinellë

I’ve been researching another aspect of the economy of #gondor: feudalism! It’s not just a social and military system, but an economic arrangement that was part of what made the kingdom great. #tolkienomics #tolkien #luinellë

Tolkienomics “oast and garner, fold and byre” Abe Papakhian masterfully depicts the true Pelennor—which Tolkien describes as “townlands.” Not the aesthetic but completely impractical grassland of the Jackson fil…

In my first #tolkienomics post on Tumblr, I examine the true nature of the Pelennor Fields.

Abe Papakhian does a fine job representing the “townlands” described in the Pelennor. They can feed themselves and the city while its numbers aren’t swelled by troops from afar. #tolkienomics #tolkien #gondor

When considering the economy of Gondor in the late Third Age, it’s important to remember that the word “fief” is used many times in the text. The role of feudalism in the internal economy was key. Military support was just the tip of the iceberg! #tolkien #gondor #tolkienomics

Do you think that there was trade between Gondor and its nominal adversaries of Umbar and Harad? Perhaps through intermediaries? Do you think all states/tribes of Harad were in allegiance with Mordor? #tolkienomics #tolkien #gondor #umbar #harad