walliam

All that is gold does not glitter, not all who wander are lost. UCF Class of 2017, Visça Barça ⚽️

[NBC Sports Soccer @NBCSportsSoccer]

The end of an era. Kevin De Bruyne exits the pitch for the final time in his glittering career at the Etihad. 👏

[Sarah Salviander @sarahsalviander]

Ever found yourself binge-watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy when you're feeling stressed, lonely, or anxious? You're not alone. It turns out, Millennials are turning to J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga for comfort, and it's become a significant generational trend. Just scroll through Instagram, and you'll see reels and memes galore celebrating this phenomenon.

Critics sometimes dismiss fantasy, especially The Lord of the Rings, as mere escapism. But isn't it strange that a story filled with the horrors of war and the face of evil can be so comforting? Stratford Caldecott, a Catholic author, offers a profound insight: fantasy isn't an escape from reality but an escape into reality. He explains, "It is the world of the everyday—boring, banal, dull, meaningless—that is the prison from which this kind of fantasy seeks to liberate us, not by distracting us from the real but by showing us the deeper patterns and meanings that lie concealed within it."

Isn't it paradoxical that so many find solace in such a grim tale? If you delve into the Christian theology woven through Tolkien's narrative, the paradox begins to make sense. The world is undeniably awful at times, filled with violence, privation, loneliness, heartbreak, and confusion. We don't need stories that deny this reality; we crave tales that offer comfort in the midst of it through fellowship, deep friendships, clear moral lines, and heroes who are genuinely good.

When I talk to people about The Lord of the Rings, it's fascinating to see which characters strike a chord. Men often relate to Aragorn, the hidden king, or Faramir, whose nobility and strength are understated by his humility. Women appreciate the male heroes who are classically masculine but safe. These men are strong and capable, but they will not hurt you.

We don't yearn for these qualities in vain. All these virtues we admire in Tolkien's fantasy characters are embodied in the very real person of Jesus Christ. He's the true King who waited in the wilderness, His royal and divine nature often concealed by His humility. He's the Lion of Judah we can approach without fear because we are of His kingdom.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11

The fellowship, deep friendships, clear moral lines, and heroes we long for can be ours if we seek the Kingdom of God.

It's heartening that a generation finds solace in the "deeper patterns and meanings" of Christianity hidden within the fantasy of Middle-earth. For me, diving into The Lord of the Rings was the first step on my path to the Cross as an adolescent. Hopefully for others, it's also the beginning of a journey towards faith, hope, and redemption.

[San Marino fan account @SanMarino_FA]

THEY DID IT. THE FIRST EVER COMPETITIVE WIN, NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FOR SAN MARINO. TODAY SAN MARINO WROTE FOOTBALL HISTORY. THANK YOU SENSOLI, THANK YOU SAN MARINO. FORZA TITANI.

[Burnley FC @BurnleyOfficial]

You shall not pass 🧱️

[Squawka @Squawka]

Since the start of 2023, Rodri has lifted twice as many trophies (8) as he has lost games (4) for club and country.

◉ 2x Premier League
◉ 1x FA Cup
◉ 1x Champions League
◉ 1x Super Cup
◉ 1x Club World Cup
◉ 1x Nations League
◉ 1x European Championship

◉ 22/23 UCL Final Player of the Match
◉ 22/23 UCL Player of the Season
◉ 2023 Club World Cup Golden Ball
◉ 2023 Nations League Finals Best Player
◉ 2024 EUROs Player of the Tournament 🆕

The most complete midfielder on the planet. 🪐

[FC Barcelona Femení @FCBfemeni]

𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐃'𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐀 🏆✨

[Manchester City @ManCity]

FULL-TIME | CHAMPIONS AGAIN!!!! 🏆

🩵 3-1 ⚒️ #ManCity | @okx

[NBC Sports Soccer @NBCSportsSoccer]

HISTORY FOR THE CITIZENS.

For the FOURTH year in a row, Manchester City are your Premier League champions. 🏆

[Manchester City @ManCity]

Kevin De Bruyne: The Return of the King 👑

[Daily Rings Of Power 💍 @DailyRoP]

"We read fantasy to find the colors again, I think. To taste strong spices and hear the songs the sirens sang. There is something old and true in fantasy that speaks to something deep within us."
~ George R. R. Martin, 'On Fantasy'

[The Nerd of the Rings @nerdoftherings1]

We need to bring this back.

[The Wonder of Tolkien @TolkienWonder]

And listen to this while you read.

https://t.co/LtnLGXauRX

[The Wonder of Tolkien @TolkienWonder]

Just pause what you’re doing and READ 👀🔥⚔️🐎

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

✨ Leo Messi wins the Ballon d’Or 2023 and it’s his 8th Ballon d’Or, it’s official!

2009 — 2010 — 2011 — 2012 — 2015 — 2019 — 2021 — 2023 ⭐️🇦🇷

Legend of the game.

[FC Barcelona Femení @FCBfemeni]

🌟 𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐃'𝐎𝐑 🌟

[Fellowship of Fans 💍 @FellowshipFans]

On the 50th anniversary of Tolkien’s passing here is an excerpt from his reading of The Ride of the Rohirrim with footage from Peter Jackson’s movie portrayal 🐴

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

Lionel Messi now becomes the most decorated player in football history with 44 titles since 2004 to 2023. ✨🇦🇷

[ESPN FC @ESPNFC]

FROM THE WORST RECORD IN MLS TO CHAMPIONS!

INTER MIAMI HAVE WON THE 2023 LEAGUES CUP 🏆👏

[Fellowship of Fans 💍 @FellowshipFans]

NASA being total LOTR nerds 👌

[IGN @IGN]

Scientists named the new catfish from the Niger River Chiloglanis frodobagginsi after Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings because it is separated from its sister species by 3,000 miles and is thought to have endured “an incredible journey for such a small… fish.”