Fingolfin’s Findings LXXVI: Shadowfax, the Dutch hydrofoil [not the horse]

On August 2, 1964, J.R.R. Tolkien had a complaint to make to Rayner Unwin. Carpenter noted in his Letters #258:

[During 1964 an Aquastroll hydrofoil (Abre numa nova janela), which made a trial crossing from Calais to Dover, was given the name Shadowfax (the name of the horse ridden by Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings).]

I wish that 'Copyright' could protect names, as well as extracts. It is a form of invention that I take a great deal of trouble over, and pleasure in; and really it is quite as difficult (often more so) as, say, lines of verse. I must say I was piqued by the 'christening' of that monstrous 'hydrofoil' Shadowfax – without so much as 'by your leave' – to which several correspondents drew my attention (some with indignation). I am getting used to Rivendells, Loriens, Imladris etc. as house-names – though maybe they are more frequent than the letters which say 'by your leave'.

Continue below for the story of Shadowfax. 😁

P.S. The way Tolkien mentions the hydrofoil I am tempted to believe he saw it on tv - the maiden voyage was evening news at the time as travelling from the continent to Dover in something like 2hrs 40 mins was incredible.

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