In the second book of C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy, Perelandra, Ransom (the protagonist who was modeled on Lewis' friend, J. R. R. Tolkien) finds that finally he must resort to physical fighting with the possessed enemy. This surprises him, because he had always used his mind, his thoughts, his reasoning in "fighting" before. But now, confronted with a foe who will not stop in his efforts to corrupt another planet besides our "silent" planet, Ransom must use fists, holds, and sinew.It is the contention of these Chronicles of Atlantis that on occasion, one must resort to chivalric action in legitimate defense of truth, goodness, and beauty. It may be a "long defeat, " as Tolkien described it, but the cardinal and theological virtues demand it. And, lest we feel subdued by such matters, forget not that Our Lord said these words:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place."-- Matthew 5,17-18 [NAB]
