Exploring the Real-World Locations That Inspired Middle-Earth

Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff

C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News

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Image Source : Dreamstime/Astfreelancer

While J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tales unfold in the fictional realm of Middle-earth, the breathtaking landscapes depicted in his books, films, and TV adaptations are more tangible than you might think. From the English countryside to the wilds of New Zealand, the locations that inspired Tolkien's work are scattered across the globe, and many of them can be visited today. These places bring to life both the stunning scenery and the magical worlds Tolkien envisioned.

The Tolkien Trail: Lancashire, England

During the 1940s, Tolkien spent time living near Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, where his son taught. The surrounding Ribble Valley, with its lush woodlands and rolling hills, is said to have influenced his creation of the Shire—the peaceful homeland of the hobbits. Today, fans can follow in Tolkien’s footsteps by hiking the Tolkien Trail, a seven-mile route that opened in 2002. The trail starts in the village of Hurst Green at the Shireburn Arms pub, where Tolkien was a regular, and meanders through the picturesque countryside, passing landmarks like Cromwell’s Bridge and the stately Stonyhurst College.

Though Tolkien never officially confirmed the influence of specific places, the connections are hard to ignore. For instance, the Hacking Ferry, a wooden barge used to cross the River Ribble, mirrors the Bucklebury Ferry in The Fellowship of the Ring, which carries hobbits across the Brandywine River. The Shireburn family name also resembles the River Shirebourne in Tolkien’s works, and the confluence of local rivers in Lancashire resembles the geography of Middle-earth.

Image Source : Jude Tolson/LancsLive

Cheddar Gorge: Somerset, England

One real-world location that Tolkien confirmed as an influence on The Lord of the Rings is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. While honeymooning with his wife in 1916, Tolkien visited the limestone valley, which is famous for its dramatic rock formations and intricate cave systems. In a letter, Tolkien revealed that the Glittering Caves of Helm’s Deep were inspired by Cheddar Gorge. Gough Cave, the most famous cave in the area, is particularly reminiscent of the "columns of white and saffron and dawn-rose" that Tolkien described in The Two Towers.

Image Source : Craig Joiner Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

Denize Bluffs: Waitomo, New Zealand

New Zealand’s North Island is home to Denize Bluffs, a rugged area of rock formations and dense bushland. This stunning location featured prominently in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as the Trollshaws, where Bilbo Baggins encounters trolls. It also appears in The Rings of Power, serving as the highland home of the Harfoots, a hobbit-like race. Today, visitors can book tours of the privately-owned Denize Bluffs, guided by the family that owns the land.

Image Source : Waitomo Caves

Stow-on-the-Wold: Gloucestershire, England

Tolkien’s Christian faith is evident in much of his work, though he always denied that The Lord of the Rings was a religious allegory. He frequently visited the Cotswolds, a region known for its charming villages and historic churches. One such church, St Edward’s in Stow-on-the-Wold, is thought to have inspired the Doors of Durin, the hidden entrance to Khazad-dûm. The north door of St Edward’s Church, flanked by two ancient yew trees, bears a striking resemblance to Tolkien’s illustration of the doors, complete with an overhanging lamp.

Image Source : E. Browning/Flickr

Teide National Park: Tenerife, Spain

The desolate landscapes of Teide National Park in Tenerife are prominently featured in The Rings of Power. The region’s volcanic terrain serves as the backdrop for the mysterious Stranger’s journey through Rhûn, a sinister realm associated with dark magic in Tolkien’s universe. Mount Teide, an active volcano, dominates the landscape, making it a popular destination for adventurous hikers or those who prefer a more leisurely ascent by cable car.

Image Source : Javier Martínez Morán

Fiordland: South Island, New Zealand

Peter Jackson famously chose New Zealand to bring Tolkien’s vision of Middle-earth to life in The Lord of the Rings films, and Fiordland, on the South Island, played a crucial role. This region, known for its dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests, provided the setting for several key locations. Fiordland’s lush woodlands stood in for Fangorn Forest, home to the giant talking Ents, while the Waiau River doubled as the Anduin, Middle-earth’s longest river. Visitors can explore this untamed wilderness from the nearby town of Te Anau, which serves as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Image Source : Rob Suisted

From England’s historic churches to the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, the real-world locations that inspired Middle-earth are as awe-inspiring as Tolkien’s fictional world itself. Exploring these sites offers fans a chance to connect with the natural beauty that sparked the imagination of one of the greatest storytellers of all time.

Worsening Impact of Brexit on UK Trade Warns Economists: Red Tape Strangles British Exports

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani, Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business.

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Image Source : Quicke's Cheeses

Experts Highlight Increasing Barriers and Economic Strain on Post-Brexit Trade

Brexit induced trade barriers have significantly impacted the UK’s goods trade with the EU, and the situation is worsening, according to a study by Aston University Business School. The report warns that new regulations and red tape have caused a sharp decline in exports and imports, particularly for smaller UK businesses that struggle to navigate post Brexit requirements.

Between 2021 and 2023, the study found that UK goods exports to the EU fell by 27%, while imports of goods were down by 32% compared to where they would have been without Brexit. The study did not cover the service sector, which has fared better than anticipated.

The study also highlighted a reduction in the variety of goods exported, with 1,645 fewer types of British products reaching every EU country. This drop is attributed to smaller producers abandoning efforts to export small consignments due to excessive regulatory challenges.

Increased Regulatory Burden for UK Producers

Many small businesses have been vocal about the mounting difficulties. Mary Quicke of Quicke’s Cheeses in Devon shared that regulatory burdens made it “really, really difficult” to continue direct exports to the EU. Her business had to hand over four EU based customers to another supplier because they simply did not have the resources to manage the paperwork.

Adam Sopher, co founder and CEO of Joe & Seph’s popcorn, also expressed frustration over post Brexit regulations, recalling how the need for veterinary certificates for caramel popcorn due to its butter content was a new hurdle. Bulk deliveries to the EU have since resumed, but with higher costs pallet delivery costs, once around £130, have jumped to £230 £250 because of administrative fees and red tape.

Costs and Barriers Intensify Over Time

The report indicates that the negative effects of Brexit on trade have deepened over time. In 2023, the declines in trade were more pronounced than in previous years. Increased regulations, including product standards, safety checks, and labeling requirements, have added to the costs and complexity of trading with the EU. While these measures are designed to protect consumers, the environment, and competition, they have made trade more difficult for many UK businesses.

The hardest-hit sectors include agrifood, textiles, and materials manufacturing, such as wood and paper. Trade with EU countries farther from the UK, including Cyprus and Malta, has also suffered more significantly.

However, certain industries have shown resilience. Some sectors, such as tobacco, railway, and aircraft manufacturing, have seen increases in the variety of products exported to major EU economies like Germany and France.

Government Response and Future Prospects

In response to the ongoing challenges, a government spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized efforts to improve trade and investment relationships with the EU. They reiterated there would be no return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement. Recent meetings between government officials and business leaders have focused on "resetting" trade relations with the EU, with a focus on economic security. However, significant progress may not be seen until 2024, when the new European Commission is firmly established and the UK completes its own new industrial and trade strategies.

Why hundreds of Samsung employees are protesting in India

Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff

D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source : Reuters

Labour rights strike by Samsung workers in India disrupts production

For the last 11 days, about 1,500 employees of Samsung Electronics, a prominent South Korean technology company, have been engaged in a strike at their facility located in Tamil Nadu, India. The walkout has resulted in substantial disturbances at the Chennai factory, which is one of Samsung's two major manufacturing plants in India. Employing over 2,000 workers, the facility is vital in manufacturing household appliances for the Indian market and accounts for about one-third of Samsung's $12 billion yearly revenue in the nation.

Workers request union recognition

Each day, the striking workers assemble at a designated area near the 17 year old factory, insisting that Samsung formally acknowledge their recently established labor organization, the Samsung India Labour Welfare organization (SILWU). The workers contend that the union is indispensable for engaging in negotiations for enhanced remuneration, better working conditions, and more equitable working hours with the management of the company. This protest, which is one of the most significant challenges Samsung has had in recent years, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to attract international investment and establish India as a viable manufacturing alternate to China.

An Analysis of Samsung's Reaction to the Strike

Samsung India reiterated that the well-being of its employees continues to be its utmost concern with respect to the protests. “We have commenced negotiations with our employees at the Chennai facility to promptly address all concerns,” stated a company spokesperson. Notwithstanding this, tensions intensified when law enforcement apprehended more than 100 workers who took part in an unauthorised protest march. Notwithstanding their subsequent release, the workers maintained their resolute demands, pledging to persist with the strike indefinitely unless Samsung complies with their demands.

Image Source : Reuters

 Primary Worker Demands

The workers' demands center on three fundamental matters: formal acknowledgment of the newly formed union, the entitlement to engage in collective bargaining, and the unequivocal refusal of rival unions. A Soundararajan, a member of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and a supporter of SILWU, asserts that almost 90% of the workforce is affiliated with SILWU, thereby establishing it as the predominant representative organization for workers at the company. Workers, with an average income of 25,000 rupees ($298), are requesting a 50% upward adjustment in their pay over the next three years, distributed gradually.

Soundararajan further alleged that Samsung exerted pressure on its employees to achieve extraordinarily stringent production targets, including the completion of product assembly for items such as refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions within a time frame of 10 to 15 seconds. Furthermore, he said that employees not only labor at a rapid pace but also endure extended periods of uninterrupted overtime and are subjected to hazardous working environments. Furthermore, there were accusations of management's efforts to coerce workers into disaffiliating from the union, which included making threats against their families.

Work regulations and opposition from labor unions

The charges of labour rights breaches have been vehemently refuted by Samsung India, which asserts its compliance with all pertinent labour legislation. Meanwhile, CV Ganesan, the Labour Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, provided assurance to union officials that negotiations were in progress to reconcile the problems and attend to the concerns of the workers.

One of the workers on strike, Sijo (a pseudonym), clarified that while employees have always worked without any grievances, the working conditions have deteriorated in recent years. Hundreds of his colleagues gather daily at the protest site, dressed in their Samsung India uniforms. Lacking any adequate restroom facilities, the workers depend on outdoor areas while SILWU supplies food and water. Sijo argues that the inadequate compensation has failed to match the increasing expenses of daily life, therefore burdening the families of workers.

Analysis of Samsung's Historical Opposition to Labor Unions

Prior to 2020, Samsung had a well established reputation for actively opposing unionised representation among its employees. Nevertheless, this position changed due to rigorous public examination and legal disputes in which its chairman was prosecuted for manipulating the market and accepting bribes. Notwithstanding this shift, a significant number of workers in India and other countries believe that international corporations, such as Samsung, persist in opposing domestic labor regulations that safeguard workers' legal entitlement to form labor unions and participate in collective bargaining.

India boasts a robust heritage of unionized labor, with a vast number of workers affiliated with unions, a significant number of which are supported by leftist legislative parties. These unions frequently use their substantial power to guarantee the enforcement of labor laws and the provision of equitable treatment to workers.

Image Source : Reuters

The Impact of Multinational Corporations on Labour Relations in India

Over the past few years, an increasing number of global enterprises, such as Apple and Amazon, have set up manufacturing facilities in India. Nevertheless, labor advocates claim that a significant number of these corporations take advantage of their employees by offering meager salaries and imposing excessive working hours, all the while exerting pressure on local governments to curtail workers' rights. The labor economist Shyam Sundar highlighted that firms frequently use "human resource strategies" as a means to impede the establishment of unions, particularly in emerging nations such as India.

Sundar suggests that a prevalent strategy employed by firms is to dissuade employees from becoming members of external unions, instead advocating for the establishment of internal "worker led" unions. In house unions typically enable management to maintain a certain level of control over the undertakings of the union. According to Soundararajan, the workers at the Chennai facility declined the arrangement suggested by Samsung management.

Utilisation of Untrained Labour

Another tactic used by multinational firms is the enlistment of young, unskilled laborers, especially from rural regions, by providing them with somewhat reasonable first wages. Typically, these people are employed on a temporary basis, with the expectation of long term employment that seldom comes to fruition. In his observation, Sundar highlighted the common occurrence of salary stagnation among these "trainees," characterized by minimal or no progressive increases over time.

Moreover, the ascent of "flexible workers" employed on contractual agreements has emerged as a crucial strategy for firms to weaken attempts to form labor unions. The employment of a contingent workforce enables firms to establish a labor pool that is more cooperative and less inclined to request improved salaries or working conditions. As to official statistics, around 40% of the workforce engaged in Indian industries in 2022 were classified as contractual laborers.

The Task of Implementing Labor Legislation

A primary obstacle in achieving equitable labor standards in India is the unwillingness of many international firms to adhere to domestic legislation. Frequently, corporations employ the tactic of threatening to move or suspend their expansion plans as a means to exert pressure on state governments to relax their enforcement of labor laws. Nevertheless, Sundar proposed that workers have the ability to utilize global labor unions as a means to exert pressure on these firms to comply with international labor standards.

 Conclusion: A Critical Moment for the Advancement of Labour Rights?

The ongoing strike at Samsung's Chennai plant highlights the wider conflict between multinational firms and local labour workforce in India. Given the large number of workers currently on strike and the complete stoppage of production, the result of this demonstration has the potential to significantly impact labor rights in the nation. Given the growing number of multinational firms in India, the delicate equilibrium between economic expansion and safeguarding the rights of workers continues to be a crucial concern.